# PUBLIC RELATIONS ## General Public Relations 67-12 =="I was very glad to learn from Gargamuni that Brahmānanda refused to place my identification with so many cheater svāmīs. We shall always remain distinct from all these cheaters. If we can convert one person in Kṛṅña consciousness that is our success of life. We don't want too many rascal followers. Let us perform this movement sincerely with faith in Kṛṅña and people will gradually appreciate our service."== ( *SPL to Satsvarūpa, 23rd December, 1967* ) 68-02 "In the meantime we are trying to get membership (non-Government organization) in the U.N., and if we are fortunate enough to get this membership, then we shall be able to attract the heads of all nations in this important movement. Our program for Kṛṅña consciousness is solid, and backed by the most authoritative literature— *Bhagavad-gītā* and *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* . ==There is no question of our not being popular to the world. Simply we have to present ourselves in true perspective. We can challenge any rascals of the world== but the difficulty is that it is folly to be wise where ignorance is bliss. Maharishi Mahesh has gained so much popularity all over Europe and America and this means the people of this part of the world are not very much advanced in spiritual science. What is their philosophy in the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh? He is very clever man to collect funds. He is proposing individual *mantra* which is complete nonsense, and he is charging for a *mantra* and allowing his disciples to enjoy life as they like. So these are all nonsense propaganda proposals, but people are blind in accepting his advice. One thing is clear however, that the Western people are searching after some spiritual enlightenment in the real sense of the term. *Bhagavad-gītā* with the right presentation and the program of Kṛṅña == *== * consciousness is the right prescription, simply we have to administer them with a cool head and solid program. I think by the grace of Kṛṅña == *== * my working has produced some sincere souls like yourself, Brahmānanda, Haḥsadūta and others. Now we have to chalk out a solid program by consulting together. In the Western countries, there is no dearth of men and money as well as intelligence, simply to get them together and our program will be successful." ([[letters/1968/680207_janardana|*SPL to Janārdana, 7 February, 1968]]) *** 68-03 "Before I come there, you should please make a large advertising campaign so that many people may come to our *kīrtanas* . Perhaps you could order some fairly large quantity of literature and propaganda from New York, and distribute it in your city. Also maybe the radio or TV stations may become interested if you approach them with our various propaganda, news clippings, and so forth. You can write to Brahmānanda in this connection, and he can give you instructions how to do it. ==We must try to catch the attention of as many people as possible so that some may come and hear us and be benefitted.== If it is possible, perhaps you can begin this propaganda work as soon as possible and have regular scheduled *kīrtanas* , so that people may start coming even before my arrival. That would be very nice." ([[letters/1968/680306_janardana|Andrea Temple, 6 March, 1968]]) *** 68-06 In the meantime, I shall request you to open correspondence with Mr. Marcial Tamayo, or Mr. David Exley, Chief of the NCO section of the U.N., to get some appointment for a meeting so that we can further impress them about the importance of this movement and thereby seek cooperation from the U.N. for disseminating our great philosophy to the responsible personalities of each and every nation. They have not yet come to understand the importance of this movement, but if they kindly hear patiently about the basic principles of the movement, they will feel obliged to get this enlightenment. You began contacting the U.N. and it has come to a little success, and with this clue, if we try more, then our purpose may be fulfilled in the very near future. So kindly try for this. If they want to see me personally, I shall be also very glad to meet them. ==The idea is that we want to get some facilities for presenting our formulas to the different nations of the world. The formula is very simple, but sublime at the same time.== I think you shall try for this." ([[letters/1968/680619_purusottama|Puruṅottama, 19 June, 1968]]) *** 68-10 "Regarding hippies, I know that hippies have no money. But in New Vṛndāvana, our program is that the inhabitants should produce their own food. Somehow or other they should be self-independent, otherwise, what is the use of occupying such a great tract of land? If we can think of starting a small institution ==I think we shall get help from the Government and many foundations, if they understand that we are actually training people for building up character and health along with imparting education.*" ([[letters/1968/681007_tosana_krsna|Hayagrīva, 7 October, 1968]]) *** 69-06 "I am very glad to know that George is interested in recording some Kṛṅña == *== * consciousness album and it is very happy news. I request you and, through you, your friends George and John, to make a very nice Hare Kṛṅña == *== * record sung by the most popular Beatles and assisted by our devotees. That will be very nice. I have all encouragement for you for this purpose. ==Try to make this Hare Kṛṅña movement popular through any source that is possible. That is our business.*" ([[letters/1969/690629_rayarama|Śyāmasundara, 29 June, 1969]]) *** 69-10 == *"== Regarding the booklet you and Gargamuni are sending, in the introductory portion signed by you and Gargamuni you have said that I am personally instructing John Lennon and George Harrison in the yoga of ecstasy. This is not very satisfactory.* Of course, George Harrison sometimes comes to see me and naturally I instruct him on the *bhakti-yoga* . But the statement in the letter gives hint as if I have been invited by them for this. If this comes to their notice, they may take some objection which will not go to our credit. These things should not be publically advertised, and I do not know why this has been done. Anyway, if you have not distributed many of them, you just try to take out that portion which is not a fact ([[letters/1969/691018_tamala_krsna|Tamāla Kṛṅña, 18 October, 1969]]) *** 70-01 "Dear Sir, With reference to your article in the *Los Angeles Times* , dated Sunday, 11th January, 1970, under the heading Kṛṅña == *== * Chant,' I beg to point out that Hindu religion is perfectly based on personal conception of God or Viṅñu. Impersonal conception of God is a side issue or one of the three features of God. The Absolute Truth is ultimately the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Paramātmā conception is the localised aspect of His omnipresence and the impersonal conception is the aspect of His greatness or eternity. But all combined together makes the complete whole. Dr. J.F. Staal's statement that the Kṛṅña == *== * cult is a combination of the Christian and Hindu religions—as if something manufactured by concoction—is not correct. If Christian, Mohammadan or Buddhist religions are personal, that is quite welcome. But Kṛṅña == *== * religion is personal from a time long, long ago when Christian, Mohammadan and Buddhist religions had not yet come into existence. According to the Vedic conception, religion is basically made by the personal God as His laws. Religion cannot be manufactured by man or anyone superior to man. Religion is the law of God only. Unfortunately all the *svāmīs* who came before me in this country stressed the impersonal aspect of God without sufficient knowledge of the personal aspect of God. In the *Bhagavad-gītā* , therefore, it is said that only less intelligent persons consider that God is originally impersonal but when He incarnates He assumes a form. But Kṛṅña == *== * philosophy based on the authority from the *Vedas* , is that originally the Absolute Truth is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. His plenary expansion is present in everyone's heart in His localised aspect and the impersonal Brahman effulgence is the transcendental light and heat distributed everywhere. In the *Bhagavad-gītā* it is clearly said that the aim of the Vedic way of searching out the Absolute Truth is to find out the personal God. If one is satisfied only with the other aspects of the Absolute Truth, namely the Paramātmā feature or the Brahman feature—such person is to be considered as one possessed of a poor fund of knowledge. Recently we have published our *Īśopaniṅad* , a Vedic literature, and in this small booklet we have thoroughly discussed this point. So far Hindi religion is concerned, there are millions of Kṛṅña == *== * temples in India and there is not a single Hindu who does not worship Kṛṅña. Therefore, this Kṛṅña == *== * consciousness movement is not a concocted idea. We invite all scholars, philosophers, religionists or members of the general public to understand this movement by critical study. And if one does so seriously, one will understand the sublime position of this great movement. The chanting process is also authorized. Professor Staal's feeling of disgust in the matter of constant chanting of the holy name of Kṛṅña == *== * is a definite proof of his lack of knowledge in this authorized movement of Kṛṅña == *== * consciousness. Instead of turning down the request to give Kary’s course credit, he along with all other learned professors of the U.C. Berkeley should patiently hear about the truth of this authorized movement, so much needed at present in a Godless society. This is the only movement which can save die confused frustrated younger generation == *.== I invite all responsible guardians of this country to understand this transcendental movement and then give us all honest facilities to spread it for everyone's benefit." (SPL to The Executive Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14th January, 1970* ) 70-02 "The court case is very humorous, happy, and authoritative. The charge was 'Chanting God's Name for the welfare of mankind.' So what can be the charges? If a man is chanting God's Name for the welfare of mankind, how can the learned judge convict him with any charges? So he has done real justice by dismissing the case. This will be great evidence of our sincere activities and you can send copies to all the centers as well as to the editors of *Back to Godhead* for immediate printing.... ==This charge against Hare Kṛṅña chanting is not very new. Even during Lord Caitanya's days a similar charge was brought against Him by Chand Kazi who later on converted to become His devotee. So chant Hare Kṛṅña mantra sincerely and seriously and Kṛṅña will give you all protection.*" ([[letters/1970/700208_yamuna_mandakini_ilavati_jyotirmayi_dhananjaya_digvijaya_jotilla_prithadevi_tamala_krsna|Bhagavān dāsa, 8 February, 1970]]) *** 70-03 "Our next attempt would be to present the brochure with all different pictures of our centers to the foundations and attract their attention. Our program is sublime. Our philosophy is practical and authorized; our character, the purest; our program, the simplest; but our ultimate goal is the highest. Similarly, we have to convince the people of your country. They are intelligent, well-to-do, and receptive. Why not try this program combinedly, yourself, Kirtanananda Maharaja and Brahmananda. I think in New York there are so many foundations offices. If you all three or four together, you can also add Subala, it will be a nice combination. ==If the foundations understand that actually you are doing something nice, then the financial difficulties for developing our various centers will be over.*" ([[letters/1970/700319_patita_uddharana|Hayagrīva, 19 March, 1970]]) *** 70-05 "Recently I have received one *Kalyana* magazine in which our activities in the Western world have been very much appreciated. Especially they have appreciated my strong injunctions on the point of following the four prohibitive regulations. So after describing our activities, the editor has remarked in one place that things are going certainly very nicely at present but it is God only Who knows how it will continue in the future. This means that the Indians, or the rigid followers of Vedic principles, are doubtful about my American and European students, about their sticking to all these principles. ==So it is a God-sent warning for us so that we may not deviate from the above mentioned two lines of action and thus become subject to criticism by the opposing elements.== In India there is already a party who are prepared to criticize my activities in the matter of offering sacred thread to the so-called *mlecchas* according to their calculation. But actually whatever I am doing here, of course giving consideration to the local situation, all of them are strictly in the line of our predecessors and the direction of Sanātana Gosvāmi. Therefore, my request is that all of you be determined to maintain this standard which is not very difficult to follow that I have introduced." ([[letters/1970/700528_satsvarupa|Satsvarūpa, 28 May, 1970]]) ==70-06 "I am very glad to know that you are maintaining a nice program of saṭkīrtana in the Washington area. Yes, this saṭkīrtana is our prime means for attracting sincere souls back to Kṛṅña consciousness, so continue to improve your saṭkīrtana as far as possible. It is very encouraging that you have received written permission from the police to chant and take collections. This permission is very important. Please send a copy of the letter to me for reference."== ([[letters/1970/700626_dinesh|Dīnesh, 26 June, 1970]]) ==71-01 *"== * I am glad to see how you are so much enthusiastic for making our plan of a daily world newspaper a success. It is a very large task. ==To publish a daily newspaper requires a huge establishment and the editor must be very well-versed so that he can comment on all fields.== So far as advertising is concerned, you should not approach people for ads, rather they should approach you. Do not spend for advertising. Let them spend to advertise us. For example *The Times of India* is giving us very spacious opportunity to publish our letters. One copy written by Girirāja dāsa Brahmacāri is enclosed. In these letters our books are also mentioned. So in this way you can make advertising." (SPL to Bhagavān dāsa, January 21st, 1971) ==71-02 *"== It is very encouraging that we are being so favorably presented everywhere by the media.* *Just today two editors of Indian newspapers have informed me of their intention to print special issues devoted to our Movement as well as give daily one article on our philosophy. The article from the Toronto newspaper was very good report and our Śrīman Rāsānanda has presented the facts very well. Please give him my thanks for this appropriate presentation." (* SPL to Jagadīśa, 15th February. 1971) 71-02 =="You have written one note to Haḥsadūta that you have received a very nice offset press and you are contemplating printing a daily newspaper. I've already written to you about this in my last letter, that to start a daily newspaper involves a proficient staff to manage this affair as well as a good source of regular news. So the governing body may consider these points and do the needful. But if it is done, it will be a great achievement."== ([[letters/1971/710216_upendra|Bhagavān, 16 February, 1971]]) *** 71-11 =="The real purpose of these stamps is to make Rādhā-Kṛṅña picture seen by so many people. Other pictures for other stamps can also be used. The cover picture for Kṛṅña book is nice for one. Some may even say, Kṛṅña book as advertisement. So use your discretion. We want to advance our propaganda, thats all." (SPL to Karandhara, November 4th, 1971) ==72-05 "I think if you get these stamps, every businessman in Bombay will take. Somehow or other we have to make vigorous propaganda. These two words 'Hare Kṛṅña' must appear everywhere. So if we work sincerely, without any material aspirations, Kṛṅña will help in all respects, be assured." (== **SPL to Girirāja, May 15th, 1972) ==72-08 "I am in due receipt of your telegram dated July 28, 1972 and I am to inform you that we shall not advertise in this way because we have not yet received visas for Bangladesh. When we get Bangladesh visas and actually begin our preaching work there, then we shall be able to advertise and collect. So for the time being, do not advertise in this way."== ([[letters/1972/720801_batu_gopala|Rañadhīra, 1 August, 1972]]) *** 72-12 "You are having difficulty with the police-force; that is to be expected. This material world is so full of danger, even from our so-called 'protectors.' But we have got the best protector, Kṛṅña, so do not worry about anything—police or other envious persons. In one stroke Kṛṅña == *== * can finish them all. But you may get some relief in this connection if you can approach very carefully some leading members of the city Government, or big, big men of the town, and convince them by your words and behavior that our devotees are not in any way unworthy persons, that in fact they have left their lives of criminals to try to turn others away from being criminals, and that if simply we get a little facility we can render immense service to the cause of law and order. Like that, if you are sincere and cool-headed, they will appreciate after some time—and if only one of such big, big leaders understands the real fact, that is sufficient to stop all further cases of police attacks. But one thing is, we have not got anything to gain by 'fighting the demons in the streets and courts.' No, our process of solving the matter is simple == *,== why should we unnecessarily take botheration for fighting? Only after exhausting every possibility of peaceful solution shall we fight anyone.* Just like Kṛṅña, He did not call for fighting until after every chance for settlement failed. So we shall try to overcome our opponents by, first, our words and our behavior, and all means of friendly approach we shall attempt by sober planning, and only later, all else failing, shall we actually fight. That is our philosophy. And if we stick to these lines of politics and diplomacy as set out for us by Kṛṅña, we shall expect always victory, without any doubt: Hoping this meets you in good health." ([[letters/1972/721213_balavanta|Balavanta, 13 December, 1972]]) *** 73-01 "I do not know what are exactly the facts of the matter, but if there are any discrepancies as you say in the temples of ISKCON, they should be immediately rectified by conscientious officers. Of course, we cannot expect to find always any utopia in this material world, that is a fallacy, and it may appear to someone who is materialistically inclined that what we are doing is not only harmful to our materialistic condition, but also that we are not caring for our students and so many other things. But if you inquire from our students more carefully, you will come to understand that these superficial matters are not very serious in the long run, and that the students are becoming very happy by their acquiring spiritual knowledge and serving Kṛṅña in so many ways. It is said that 'One man's food is another man's poison.' Because they have become disgusted with this material world, sometimes our devotees appear to have foolishly disregarded everything, that is seen to be something bad in their eyes, but we should not take these things very seriously. Main thing is that these boys and girls have understood what is austerity and the difference between spirit and matter, that is the highest knowledge of existence. Because they are engaged in serving Kṛṅña in this way, you have nothing further to worry, their position in life is very secure and sound because they are going back to home, back to Godhead, without any doubt. ==Though they may be dressed in rags, still they are more exalted than kings.== *" ([[letters/1973/730109_hayagriva|Mr. Robert Keene, 9 January, 1973]]) *** 73-01 =="Regarding your programs for a specialized public relations department; as far as my experiences go, I have seen that this is not very successful, but you may consult Karandhara in this regard and do the needful."== (Kuruśreṅṃha, 10 January, 1973) ==73-11 "Your complaint is that you have met two of my young disciples in California and they appeared to you as having 'a very negative outlook towards the people they meet.== ' Of course, I do not know the case, what are the circumstances, but kindly forgive my beloved disciples any unkindness or indiscretions on their part. After all, to give up one's life completely for serving the Lord is not so easy thing. And *māyā* , or the illusory material energy, she tries especially hard to try to get back and entrap those who have left her service to become devotees. So sometimes in the neophyte stage of devotional service, in order to withstand the attack of *māyā* and remain strong under all conditions of temptation, young or inexperienced devotees will adopt an attitude against those things or persons possibly harmful or threatening to their tender devotional creeper. They may even over-indulge in such feelings just to protect themselves, and thus they will appear to some non-devotees, who are perhaps themselves still very enamored by the material energy of *māyā* , as being negative or pessimistic. But the actual fact is that this material world is a miserable, negative place, full of danger at every step, *duùkhālayam aśāśvatam* , temporary abode of death, birth, disease and old-age, the home of suffering and pain only. To come to that platform of understanding of things as they are, that is not a very common thing, and therefore such persons who attain to it, they are described as 'great souls': This verse is spoken by Kṛṅña, or God, Himself, in *Bhagavad-gītā* , so who can be a more final authority? That means that anyone who has understood that the material worlds are temporary places of misery, *duùkhālayam aśāśvatam* , they never return here again, and because they are mah *ā* tmana *ù* , the great souls, Kṛṅña keeps them with Him, having qualified themselves to escape this nasty place by becoming His pure devotees. So the point is that to make advancement in spiritual life, everything material, unless it is utilized to serve and please Kṛṅña, must be viewed with a pessimistic eye. We are not very much hopeful for any lasting pleasure or satisfaction for our deepest cravings within this realm of gross matter. You refer to the word 'love' several times in your letter, but the actual fact is that there is no love in this material world. That is false propaganda. What they call 'love' here is lust only, desire for personal sense-gratification: Kṛṅña tells Arjuna, His disciple, that 'It is lust only...which is the all-devouring, sinful enemy of this world.' In the Vedic language, their word for materialistic love,' as we call it at present day, is *kāma* , lust for material desire, not love. The word for love, actually love we find in the *Vedas* is *prema* , meaning one's love of God, only. Outside God, there is no possibility of loving. Rather it is lusty desire in the whole range of human activities, whatever and whenever, so long as it is within this atmosphere of matter, every activity of the human being—or any living entity—is based upon or given impetus and thus polluted by the attraction between male and female sex desire. For that sex life, the whole universe is spinning round and suffering! That is the harsh truth. So-called love, here, means 'you gratify my senses, I'll gratify your senses,' and as soon as that gratification stops—immediately there is divorce, separation, quarrel, hatred. So many things there are, going on under this false conception of love. Actual love means love of God, Kṛṅña. Everyone wants to repose his loving tendency in some object which in his opinion is worthy. So it is a question of ignorance only, or poor fund of knowledge, where to find that Supreme loveable object actually worthy to accept and reciprocate their love. People simply do not know. There is no proper information. Anything material, as soon as there is some attachment, it will kick you upon the face, deteriorate, disappoint you—it's bound to dissatisfy and frustrate you, that's a fact. So these young boys in your country, and all over the world, they are accepting "Yes, that is fact,' and they are getting the right information from Kṛṅña: 'After many births and deaths, he who is actually wise surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.' Again Kṛṅña uses the word *mahātmā* , great soul. So these are not ordinary boys and girls, our devotees, that you have met, no. They are to be considered as actually wise, great souls, because they have experienced in so many births the miserable disease of material life and they have become disgusted. Therefore they are seeking higher knowledge, something better, and when they find Kṛṅña and surrender unto Him, they become *mahātmā* , actually in knowledge. This material world is just to bring us to that point of becoming disgusted and surrendering at last to Kṛṅña, going back to my original nature of an eternal life of bliss and complete knowledge. So these devotees, that is their credit, they have done what is 'very rare' amongst all men in the human society, *su-durlabhaù* , very rare. So after surrendering to Kṛṅña, that will be the final receptacle for investing his love in God. If somehow or other anyone develops their dormant love of God—love of God is present there in everyone, just like fire is there in the unlit match, covered over—if Kṛṅña becomes the supreme adorable object, the supreme friend, the supreme master, the supreme lover—then, oh! he shall never again become disappointed or unhappy. Rather, because his loving propensity is rightfully placed: The devotee, one whose life is surrendered to Kṛṅña, is always enjoying 'great satisfaction and bliss' and he is constantly 'enlightened,' always positive, not negative as you say. The advanced devotee is the friend of everyone: *yoga-yukto* viśuddhātmā *, a purified soul engaged in loving devotional service to Kṛṅña, * sarva-bhūtātmā-bhūtātmā *, he is dear to everyone and everyone is dear to him; and in another place Kṛṅña claims that: * yo mad-bhaktaù sa me priyaù *, that His devotee, who is very dear to Him, * adveṅṃā sarva-bhūtānām, maitraù karuña eva ca *, is not envious but is the kind friend to all living entities. The devotee is supposed to be, furthermore, equal to everyone, * pañòitāù sama-darśinaù*, never discriminating; this one good, this one bad, no. So these are the descriptions of the more advanced stages of Kṛṅña consciousness devotees, when he has got mature knowledge by development, and at present many of our students are young boys, they are learning gradually and the process is so effective, certain and authorized that if they stick to it they will come to the right point, as you say, of loving. But that love is not material, that is our point, so it may not be judged on the false sentimental platform of ordinary mundane dealings. So to say they are not loving, that may be true from the materialists point of view—they have given up affection for family, friends, wife, country, race, like that, all based upon the bodily concept of life or flickering sense gratification—but they have become a little detached from *māyā* 's love, or lust, and they want Kṛṅña's love, or endless, full rewarding love, and they have not yet developed to that point, that's all. And we cannot expect that all of a sudden, being addicted to so many bad habits, your countrymen, will give up eating flesh, taking intoxication, sex-life, and so many other nasty things, and become overnight great self-realized souls. That is not possible. That is utopian. Just by becoming initiated as Kṛṅña's devotee puts him in the topmost category of human society: *sa buddhimān manuṅyeṅu, sa yuktaù kṛtsna-karma-kṛt* : 'He is intelligent among human society, he is in the transcendental position, although engaged in all sorts of activities.' And such a devotee, it does not matter if he has not advanced yet to the highest level of spiritual understanding, still he is to be considered the most exalted personality, never mind he has got any temporary frailties: 'Even if a devotee commits the most abominable actions, he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated.' (Bg. 9.30). As you will say, “To err is human,' so in the neophyte stage we may always expect some discrepancies are there. Kindly see the things in this light and forgive their small mistakes. The big thing is they have given their life, everything to Kṛṅña—that is never a mistake." ([[letters/1973/731127_jayadharma|Lynne Ludwig, 27 November, 1973]]) *** 75-05 =="Regarding registration in Guyana, you simply have to show in court how we are an international Society, not for any particular creed, race, or nation. Show them that we are a cultural movement. You should not back away when things get difficult."== ([[letters/1975/750528_anangamanjari|Hṛdayānanda Gosvāmi, 28 May, 1975]]) ==75-06 "Yes, when you go to the court in Mexico, show them a copy of Professor Stillson Judah's book, 'Hare Kṛṅña and the Counterculture,' and a copy of the letter from him to me which I have enclosed. Our movement is a genuine movement and we are being accepted as such by the higher educational circles all over the world."== ([[letters/1975/750610_radha_krishna_dhawan|Jagadīśa, 10 June, 1975]]) *** 75-08 "I am very sorry for the incident which has taken place between you and my devotees. So you may please note it that I am dealing with these foreign students and teaching them to become Kṛṅña devotees, and some of them being neophytes may sometimes commit some offense. There is nothing surprising in this, but their ardent desire to convey the idea of Kṛṅña consciousness is always laudable. ==Of course we have to speak the truth, but very palatably. These neophyte devotees have not yet learned how to speak the truth palatably, but gradually they are learning. *== * Certainly Hindu culture does not allow illicit sex, eating meat, fish or eggs, taking intoxication, or gambling. If Indians, after going to the foreign countries, learn this behavior, certainly it is not good. The only fault on the part of the devotee is that he could not present the things very politely. So you know the nature of the Western young men, so toleration is needed by you considering the position of the other party. Anyway I beg to apologize on behalf of my student, and shall solicit the pleasure of your goodness to visit our temple regularly. One should not be angry and eat his meals on the floor just because someone has stolen his plates. This is a Bengali saying. The logic is that if one's plates are stolen by a thief, we should not become angry and decide not to purchase new plates and eat on the floor." ([[letters/1975/750831_minister_for_land_revenue|Śrī Rāmeshji Mahālingam, 31 August, 1975]]) *** 75-09 "The report from Denver regarding the legal judgement of Judge M. Winner is giving intelligence to the judge also. It appears that the airport officials are defeated. I have heard that in some of the airports ==they are making announcements telling the people not to purchase our literature. This is impeding our religion and is therefore blasphemy. This cannot be allowed. You should take this to the courts and let people know what they are doing.== They cannot impede our right." ([[letters/1975/750918_sushil_k._arora|Śrutadeva dāsa, 18 September, 1975]]) *** 75-11 "I am in due receipt of your letter dated November 4th, 1975, with the enclosed copies of the *Yoga Library* in Swedish language. The get-up is very nice and I think they will sell very, very well. ==Just see what books we are publishing all over our Society in all languages. Where is the CIA message in our books that they are claiming?== They are claiming that we are CIAs, but where is the CIA message in our books? Our books are simply on the basis of Kṛṅña consciousness. What better service are we doing than publishing these books?" ([[letters/1975/751113_gargamuni|Ālālanātha dāsa, 13 November, 1975]]) *** 76-01 =="The quote book, The Kṛṅña Consciousness Movement is Authorized, is very important. From each city find out important person's names and post it.== You can send it to important members of the Government, businessmen, entertainers, sportsmen, etc.. Another device is that you can address it to 'Any Respectable Gentleman, Post Office..., City..., State...' The postman will then deliver it to some respectable gentlemen. Everyone who gets it will think: 'I am a most respectable gentleman because he has given it to me.' The best thing is to find out the customers list of some big magazine like *Time* or *Life* , and post it to them. I think the post office can give a concession rate for huge numbers of posting. Yes, go on adding any new important quotes in the reprinting." (Rāmeśvara, 12 January, 1976) ==76-09 "Yes, whenever strong and probably false statements are made against ISKCON, we can take a defamation case against them.== * * I have given one statement in English, Bengali and Hindi, which I will send you. This may be published through the English and Bengali Press Trust of India (PTI). Śravanānanda has a film on the last New York Ratha-yātrā, so show this in every town, city and village and present my statement in Bengali. Rādhe Śyāmasundara is coming there to help, and I will send some newspaper clippings. Go on with our regular work and chanting. You can also show our book distribution figures from * saṭkīrtana * newsletters." ([[letters/1976/760928_gopiparanadhana|* SPL to Jayapatākā, 28 September, 1976]]) ==76-10 "I approve your efforts to sue this Ted Patrick and his publisher. It must be done."== ([[letters/1976/761029_ramesvara|Rāmeśvara, 29 October, 1976]]) ==76-10 "Yes, this book distribution movie should be excluded. Why has this been taken. Even if there is some bad dealing in the family, it should not be exposed." ([[letters/1976/761029_ramesvara|Rāmeśvara, 29 October, 1976]]) ==76-10 "It is a fact that we are different from all bogus groups. Now we should present our movement very nicely so that people will be able to understand. We are trying to raise the animal-like humans to real human status."== ([[letters/1976/761029_ramesvara|Rāmeśvara, 29 October, 1976]]) *** 76-10 "Get some Indian professors' opinions. Get a list of standing orders from Indian universities. Take this opportunity for being well advertised. They are afraid. So many young men are being affected. They have rightly said that it is an epidemic. ==Let all the Indians say that this is bona fide. Have profuse testimony. Collect testimony in London and Toronto.== Ask Śubhavilāsa to collect opinions that this is bona fide Indian culture. This same attack came in Germany. By propaganda you cannot suppress the truth. You cannot suppress fire by propaganda. Now we have to become strong to defend. The fighting has become acute, but if you stick to the regulative principles, Kṛṅña will give you all strength. Whatever is done is by Kṛṅña's mercy. They are afraid that a different culture is conquering over their culture, *paraḥ dṛṅtvā nivartate* . That is natural. If someone finds something better, he’ll give up the old, how can he stop? It is a fight, do not be afraid." ([[letters/1976/761030_srutadeva|Tamāla Kṛṅña, 30 October, 1976]]) ==76-12 "If they are giving us trouble to distribute at the airports, then go to the courts. What can be done? We already have favorable decisions from some courts. We are doing something good for the whole world. Present the scholars' opinions. They have the power; we are powerless. What can be done? Depend on Kṛṅña."== ([[letters/1976/761202_brahmananda|Rāmeśvara, 2 December, 1976]]) *** 76-12 "You write to say that we are getting good response from the latest issue of *Back to Godhead* . These testimonials should be presented in the court. Dharmādhyakṅa’s article is very nice. Such articles should be published. Take the psychologist's opinion in writing. If somehow or other people chant, they'll be our men. So, somehow induce them to chant. ==Regarding these deprogrammers, we must defeat their false accusations in the courts. We do not force anyone. They may stay or go—the freedom is there. Out of their own accord they don’t want association with meat-eaters, drunkards, and debauchees.== Just as there is a warning from the Government that if you steal you'll be punished. We are convincing people not to commit sinful activities or associate with sinful persons. Are these bad tactics? We are making men of good character. It is folly to be wise where ignorance is bliss. Even ten-year old boys are smoking—so much degraded. We are trying to convince people to become first-class men rather than fifth-class men. We have to fight." ([[letters/1976/761202_brahmananda|Rāmeśvara, 2 December, 1976]]) ## Hari-nāma Saṭkīrtana 68-02 "My advice to you is to continue your good attitude that you are keeping now and this alone will help you in advancing your cause of Kṛṅña consciousness. Yes, it will be great advantage if you can chant so much as one *lakh* of names daily, and also read scriptures. This is good opportunity for you to learn to sing all the verses in the *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* as you began to do so nicely in San Francisco. That will be very nice. Nāmācārya Haridāsa Ṃhākura was taken to the jail and he told the prisoners there: 'Oh!, you are so fortunate to have this opportunity to sit and chant the holy names without the *māyā* distractions of the outer world!' So you should think like that, and use your time in the prison-house to the greatest advantage for spiritual advancement. Please note that the other side of this page was appearing in the very popular magazine *New Yorker* , and even ==they are chanting Hare Kṛṅña in mockery still it doesn't matter. Just so long they are chanting Hare Kṛṅña, that is the success of our mission== . The Kazi's men were breaking up the *kīrtana* parties of the Lord and in mockery some of them chanted Hare Kṛṅña, and thereafter, their tongues would not stop singing Hare Kṛṅña. Our tongues should be like that, unable to ever stop singing the glories of the Lord. We practice, and some day it will be like that." ([[letters/1968/680205_upendra|Upendra, 5 February, 1968]]) *** 68-03 "I have noted the contents and your attitude of service is so nice. ==I am pleased to hear that you have begun practicing for the kīrtana party. Please keep me informed how you are progressing. Yes, if you like you can also arrange for costumes and wig; one boy may be dressed as Lord Caitanya, another as Nityānanda *,== * as well as Gadādhara, Advaita with white beard and Śrivāsa with shaven head. Responsive chanting is very nice; one good singer may lead and the others may join in. That is the system in India. It is very good for two reasons especially. One, the chanter gets to rest, so he does not become tired, and two, you get to chant and hear; that is the process. You may also have melodious accompaniment of instruments and amplifiers. Blowing of the conchshell and horns is very nice." ([[letters/1968/680303_hansadutta_himavati|Haḥsadūta and Himāvatī, 3 March, 1968]]) *** 68-03 "Some years before when I was staying in your Prema Kutir you expressed your desire to organize a *saṭkīrtana* party, and I wish that it may be done now to help me in my mission. If you have got opportunity to purchase one copy of *Life Magazine* published February 9th, 1968, you will find there on page fifty-six, how nicely the American boys and girls are dancing and chanting the holy name of the Lord. A *saṭkīrtana* party as they can be organized in India is not possible here. Here the boys and girls are very serious about chanting but they are not trained singers, or singers in the tune we chant in India. Therefore, I wish that if you organize a *saṭkīrtana* party there, completely trained in spiritual ways and the American students combine with them, I think a very nice *saṭkīrtana* party can be organized to travel all over the world. ==I have tested it definitely that melodious vibration of saṭkīrtana, if they are performed by serious devotees, can attract people from the very spiritual platform,== and it at once makes the spiritual background very smooth, when a spiritual instruction from *Bhagavad-gīta* can be implemented very nicely. So my first concrete program is that if you agree to organize such a *saṭkīrtana* party, a batch of my American students may join and I can combine these American and Indian devotees together under discipline. The American boys are being trained up strictly on spiritual line, which I have already explained to you in my last letter. Similarly, the Indian boys or girls must be spiritually trained; it is only by spiritually trained vibration that can implement spiritual seeds in the heart of the audience, not otherwise. So if you agree to cooperate with me in this direction, then I wish to go with a batch of American students to your care and stay in Bombay for some time, and try to open a branch in Bombay of our Society. Here we have got 6 temples already, and they are being nicely managed by the American Vaiṅñavas under strict discipline, without their being born in any Hindu family. Similarly, in Bombay we are inviting all classes of men to join us; we have no distinction of caste, creed, color or religion. Anyone can join us, never mind whatever he is. We shall entertain Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, or whoever may come. We shall have no restriction. In that temple everyone will be welcome. In other words, in our secular state an international feeling of God consciousness will be introduced where no one will be restricted. And I am glad to inform you that this principle is accepted by everyone working under me. So, the sum and substance of the concrete program is to organize a nice *saṭkīrtana* party in combination of Indian and American students. I want your cooperation in this adventure." (SPL to Harikishand Agarwal, 3rd, March, 1968) *** 68-03 "I am very glad that Kṛṅña is already dictating to you how to make perfect the *saṭkīrtana* party. I completely agree with you about our program of travelling across the country, being booked in several places. And I am glad that our friend, Allan Ginsburg, is helping you. There is no doubt about our success if we can make this *kīrtana* party successful. The most important point in this connection is that we shall never be professional; that is to say, we shall try to make the *kīrtana* party perfect from the point of view of Kṛṅña consciousness. The idea of introducing Païca-tattva in the *kīrtana* party was also contemplated by me. Not only that, we have to prepare different dresses for Rādhā and Kṛṅña and Their eight confidential associates, *sakhīs* . Sometimes you have to dress somebody as Nṛsiḥhadeva and Prahlāda; in this way we shall have varieties of show along with *kīrtana* , and all the varieties will be picked up from the *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* and *Bhagavad-gītā* . We have to teach the *brahmacārīs* and the *brahmacārīnis* to speak in Sanskrit some of the verses in this connection, and we explain the verses by singing, chanting and speaking also. Sometimes in the middle of chanting and singing, we shall speak also. ==So all these variety shows will be so attractive with melodious musical sounds, and above all our good behavior and advanced Kṛṅña consciousness will make this show very successful.== In the meantime, you train the *kīrtana* party as you are doing, and the responsive method is all perfect. I have already written to you in my last letter in this connection, and I again say that the responsive method should be practiced. There may be more than one singer, just like you may take the leader's seat, sometimes Jaya Govinda may take the leader's seat; sometimes others may take the leader's seat, but the method of chanting and responding and then chanting should always be followed. When I come to New York certainly we shall devise plans on this touring program, not only travelling within the States, but also travelling all over the world. And when we go to India in the course of our travel, we shall collect some Indian devotees to join us. Not only Indian, we shall gradually collect devotees from all over the world without any discrimination. Our Kṛṅña consciousness movement must be all-pervading as Kṛṅña is all-pervading." ([[letters/1968/680304_brahmananda|Haḥsadūta, 4 March, 1968]]) ==68-06 "I am going to Montreal on Monday, June 3rd, and if I find Montreal quite suitable I shall call you and some other students to assemble there to practice saṭkīrtana== in a systematic way. Of course, chanting Hare Kṛṅña does not require any artificial artistic sense, but still, if the procedure is presented rhythmically, then the people may be attracted more by the transcendental music."== ([[letters/1968/680601_upendra|Upendra, 1 June, 1968]]) ==68-06 "It is very good news that you have got good prospects of the future of that center in Buffalo. And you will be glad to know that in New York and Boston, by following this process of chanting in public places like parks and streets, they are getting a very good response by contributions from the public as well as by selling our literatures."== (SPL to Rūpānuga, June, 1968) *** 68-06 "Those who are agitated in the mind, they will hear neither Kṛṅña conscious philosophy nor Christian philosophy. So to make the mind smoother, you should chant Hare Kṛṅña nicely, not to do it by changing the philosophical topics. The chanting will work. ==When there is no possibility of talking philosophy, we should simply chant, nothing more. Don’t talk anything. That will help both the singer and the audience.== Your little speech is very nice. Caitanya Mahāprabhu also said there are millions of names of God, and one can chant any one of them he prefers. We chant Hare Kṛṅña because Lord Caitanya also chanted Hare Kṛṅña. We recommend to chant any name of God, but we prefer to chant the holy name of God, Kṛṅña, following the footprints of Lord Caitanya." (SPL, unidentified) 68-07 " ==I understand that Mukunda is leading now a nice kīrtana== party in the streets and there is good response. The time is fast approaching when we will have to perform such public kīrtana == in all the important cities of the world. Here also, in the Expo, they have performed kīrtana== for two days, and it is wonderfully successful."== (SPL to Yamunā, July, 1968) *** 68-08 *"* ==Kīrtana== means both lecturing and chanting with music. The chanting with music is especially attractive for the mass of people, but talking from philosophical point of view on Kṛṅña consciousness is also chanting. *==* The whole *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* is full of philosophical discussions and we are prepared to present our Kṛṅña consciousness movement both ways, whichever is suitable in special circumstances. If Mr. Renovich is interested only in philosophical discussions, we are prepared for that. But at the same time we are concerned mostly with the mass of people, therefore Hare Kṛṅña *kīrtana* is our life and soul. So there is no problem if Mr. Renovich is especially interested in scholarly philosophical discussions." ([[letters/1968/680814_upendra|Upendra, 14 August, 1968]]) ==68-09 "I am so glad to learn that you have got permission to chant in the park. Previously you sent me the press clippings, and I have seen that there was some difficulty, now by Kṛṅña's grace you have got permission. Do not mind that the park is not visited by many people. But if you chant many people will come. That will make your attempt successful."== ([[letters/1968/680909_subala|Subala, 9 September, 1968]]) ==68-12 "Regarding chanting in the street and being chased by the police, this is not good at all. The best thing is to invite people to our temple and chant peacefully.== If a person can sell from seven to twelve magazines individually there is no need of making a procession of chanters and thereby disturbing the police equilibrium. If you can sell *Back to Godhead* individually as proposed by you, and some copies of our books like *Bhagavad-gītā* As It Is *, that will be a great success. And there is no need of leading a procession of chanters for this purpose. The idea submitted by you is very nice, and I have given my 100% approval and I have given my opinion as above mentioned. Now you can do with intelligence depending on the supreme will of Kṛṅña. I hope this will meet you in good health, and offer my blessings to all other devotees there." (* SPL to Cidānanda, December 24th, 1968) ==69-01 "I am very pleased to note that the newspaper article which you had helped arrange has resulted in much interest in our movement in Hawaii. It is also very encouraging to note that you are going out onto the streets to chant and preach to the people there. This is a very good policy, and as far as possible you should continue to go out and let the local inhabitants of Hawaii become very familiar with the sound of the Hare Kṛṅña== mantra.== This will insure the success of our center there and it is also very pleasing to Kṛṅña to see His devotee taking courage in this way. So by no means should you give up this very nice activity." ([[letters/1969/690125_mr._levine|Mahāpuruṅa, 25 January, 1969]]) ==69-02 "You will be glad to know that in London they are doing very nicely and a report was published in some San Francisco paper with the heading, Kṛṅña== CHANT STARTLES LONDON.== So you shall also try to startle Germany with the Kṛṅña chant. That should be our main program, and publishing of *Back to Godhead* is a bigger chanting process. With *mṛdaṭga* you can chant within the boundary of your temple, but by publishing *Back to Godhead* you can chant throughout the German speaking land. So both *mṛdaṭga* and *Back to Godhead* is our life and soul." ([[letters/1969/690213_sivananda|Kṛṅña dāsa, 13 February, 1969]]) *** 69-05 "Regarding your questions about *saṭkīrtana* party, I think you should try to always have *saṭkīrtana* going on. All other things are subsidiary. ==This chanting is our life and soul, so we must arrange our program now so that there will be as much chanting on the streets and at college engagements as possible.== On May 12th we had a very successful engagement at Ohio State University, and over one thousands boys and girls were chanting and dancing along with us. So this policy should be continued as far as possible." ([[letters/1969/690514_indira|Satsvarūpa, 14 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 "I am very pleased to note that there are some nice boys and girls who are joining you at *kīrtana* . Try to show them the importance of our movement, and the best way of doing this is by *saṭkīrtana.* Here in Columbus we had a very big meeting at the Ohio State University and more than one thousand students were chanting and dancing along with us. So there is very good potential for spreading our movement amongst the college students and if we simply present them with the opportunity of chanting with us, and then we lecture on *Bhagavad-gītā* As It Is *, then surely many intelligent people will become attracted. * * ==So saṭkīrtana party in the streets and saṭkīrtana party in school engagements should be our chief business. This will assure success in our propaganda activities.* "== ([[letters/1969/690514_ananda|Ānanda, 14 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 "I am very much encouraged to receive your letter of May 12th 1969 along with the German articles published in two different papers with pictures ==. It is very, very encouraging that you are holding kīrtanas in public places and someway or other people are becoming interested. These outdoor kīrtanas should be rigidly followed at least one hour daily. That will make our movement popular there.== We have good experience here in every city, especially Los Angeles, New York, Boston and here in Columbus. This is making our movement very popular more and more, so in any circumstances, you all go out together outdoors for *kīrtana* at least one for one hour daily." ([[letters/1969/690517_rupanuga|Kṛṅña dāsa, 17 May, 1969]]) ==69-05 "Try to keep nice peace with the police as far as possible, because our method is to be tolerant more than the tree and humbler than the grass on the street. We don't mind for so-called prestige. If keeping peaceful we can execute our Kṛṅña consciousness duties, that is all we want."== ([[letters/1969/690531_patita_uddharana|Satsvarūpa, 31 May, 1969]]) *** 69-06 "Regarding registration of the Society you can simply translate our New York registration form into German and submit it to the court clerk, depositing the requisite fees, and I think that will finish the registration problem. ==If the police do not allow you to perform kīrtana in public places, do not disobey their orders. Try to abide by the law of the state for taking advantage of performing kīrtana as far as possible.*" ([[letters/1969/690613_mukunda|Kṛṅña dāsa, 13 June, 1969]]) ==69-07 "Regarding the difficulties you are having because of the police stopping your chanting in the streets, when Subala was arrested in Philadelphia for this same reason the judge declared him as 'not guilty' when he learned of the nature of our movement and the purpose of our collecting.== Subala has testimonial of this 'not guilty' verdict as declared by the judge, so if you think it will be of help to you in getting permission from the police for chanting on the streets, then you may write to Subala for a xerox copy of this testimonial." ([[letters/1969/690802_gaurasundara|Gaurasundara, 2 August, 1969]]) *** 69-09 I can understand that Kṛṅña is giving you encouragement to increase the strength of Detroit Center because you write to say that there is a big article to be printed in the largest Detroit paper and you have already arranged for two university courses. This is very encouraging news, and please forward a copy of the article to me when it is printed. You should try now to obtain permission for chanting on the streets. This will greatly enhance your activities there in every respect. *Saṭkīrtana* is our very life and soul, so try to take permission from the authorities as soon as possible. I understand that you are very sincere soul and surely Kṛṅña will show His favor upon you." (SPL to Jagadīśa, September 7th, 1969) 69-10 "I understand from your letter of October 8th that there is a struggle with the Kazi. This obstacle by the Kazi is not new to our Kṛṅña consciousness movement. It was there even during the time of Lord Caitanya, but ==we must steadily go on with our activities without caring for these so-called custodians of law. We are the most lawful citizens in the world,== but if some demon Kazi gives stumbling to our execution of duties, we cannot abide by such order. I am very glad to learn that some of the Catholic priests are sympathetic with our movement. The Government says, 'In God We Trust,' and we are preaching the message of love of God, pleading with the people to become servants of God. So where is the cause of breaking the public peace? I am enclosing herewith a declaration of our Kṛṅña consciousness movement which you may present in court if necessary. You depend on Kṛṅña, try to face the charges by your best abilities and surely Kṛṅña will help you. A similar charge was brought against our men in Philadelphia and the learned judge found that we are not culprit." ([[letters/1969/691013_pradyumna|Pradyumna, 13 October, 1969]]) *** 70-02 "The court case is very humorous, happy, and authoritative. The charge was 'Chanting God's Name for the welfare of mankind.' So what can be the charges? If a man is chanting God's Name for the welfare of mankind, how can the learned judge convict him with any charges? So he has done real justice by dismissing the case. This will be great evidence of our sincere activities and you can send copies to all the centers as well as to the editors of *Back to Godhead* for immediate printing.... ==This charge against Hare Kṛṅña chanting is not very new. Even during Lord Caitanya's days a similar charge was brought against Him by Chand Kazi who later on converted to become His devotee. So chant Hare Kṛṅña mantra sincerely and seriously and Kṛṅña will give you all protection.*" ([[letters/1970/700208_yamuna_mandakini_ilavati_jyotirmayi_dhananjaya_digvijaya_jotilla_prithadevi_tamala_krsna|Bhagavān dāsa, 8 February, 1970]]) *** 70-02 "Regarding the six months contract for $250 per week from engagements in halls, colleges, clubs, etc. it is very good news. But ==one thing we must remember that we are not professional musicians or concert party. Our main business is to vibrate the holy name of Kṛṅña everywhere== so that people will be benefited by hearing the transcendental sound. The musical training is not so important as it is to keep ourselves spiritually fit in spiritual strength, that we should not forget, if we are in spiritual strength there will be no scarcity of money and the spiritual strength is that each and every one of us must chant the 16 rounds of beads and follow the rules and regulations with great adherence." ([[letters/1970/700208_yamuna_mandakini_ilavati_jyotirmayi_dhananjaya_digvijaya_jotilla_prithadevi_tamala_krsna|Tamāla Kṛṅña, 8 February, 1970]]) ==70-02 "But I will suggest one thing—that you can organize a mass saṭkīrtana procession on the Advent day of Lord Caitanya *,== * 22nd March 1970; that day is also Sunday. Therefore, if George and John Lennon both lead the procession that will be a great service. Because of their presence many young men especially will join the procession. And if you carry flags, festoons and pictures in that procession, starting from a big park like Hyde Park or St. James Square and then pass over some important streets, especially the residential quarters, that will be a great success. In that procession you can distribute our literatures of various kinds—books and magazines also. I think that will be a great successful program." ([[letters/1970/700221_manmohini|Śyāmasundara, 21 February, 1970]]) *** 70-03 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 17th March, 1970, with enclosure and ==it is very satisfying that you have introduced the saṭkīrtana party procession in the public streets and parks on the occasion of Lord Caitanya's Birthday *.== * It is a good addition to my missionary activities, and I thank you very much. In the London streets, introduction of Ratha-yātrā procession, as well as Lord Caitanya's Birthday procession, and in the most important part of the city, a Rādhā-Kṛṅña temple—all these things are a great achievement of your London yātrā party, and personally I feel a great credit for me because by such activities my Guru Mahārāja is certainly very pleased upon us. So whatever progress we are making by the grace of Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Mahārāja we must stick to them and make further progress." ([[letters/1970/700324_mukunda|Mukunda, 24 March, 1970]]) ==70-04 "Regarding the court case, such kinds of case will come and go. We have to go on with our transcendental business. It is very encouraging that the saṭkīrtana party is going twice daily, that should he continued. Other things will be adjusted by the grace of Kṛṅña." ([[letters/1970/700401_mukunda|Gurudāsa, 1 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 I understand from the letter from Bahulāśva as well as from your letter that the police and the public have appreciated this transcendental procession. The general public of Berkeley had a bitter experience that whenever there was a large gathering like this, inevitably there was political upheaval, protests and window breaking and general havoc. But ==this unique procession has convinced them that our men are very nice and they can organize a great crowd without any violence.== That is a fact: if people actually want peace and tranquility, they must support this movement wholeheartedly and we shall execute our prescribed duties very seriously and sincerely. In this way if we are given a chance, I am sure we will enact a new chapter in the history of the Western world. Please therefore always pray to Kṛṅña to give you strength and protection, and go on with your duty straightforward. I am so pleased to learn how the crowds gave their attention to your street play. This is transcendental entertainment. And to distribute *prasāda* sumptuously to the crowd is strictly in our Vedic tradition. Now the police have given you permission for continuing the program of festivals throughout the summer, so get this permission positively. That will serve our purpose in many ways. If the people do not put any hindrance to our routine work surely we will be able to render a great service to the state." ([[letters/1970/700414_madhudvisa|Madhudvisa, 14 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 "It is very encouraging that you are selling an average of one-hundred-and-eighty *Back to Godheads* per day, and just try to increase as much as possible == *.== Regarding what to do about the local authorities checking your saṭkīrtana activities in the streets, just show the police officer how peaceful we are. They should give us help to encourage such peaceful activities. We should not take any action in angry mood.* Lord Caitanya has advised to become more humble than the grass and more tolerant than the tree and be ready to offer all respects to others while not caring to accept any respects for oneself. As far as possible we will try to follow this principle and Kṛṅña will help us in all respects." (SPL to Haḥsadūta, April, 1970) *** 70-07 "I am so happy to learn that you have been so well received in Provincetown by the young boys and girls. It is a fact that the hippies are our best clients. I had very good response in San Francisco during the Ratha-yātrā festival. I saw that they were taking up the chanting of Hare Kṛṅña mahā-mantra very feelingly, even without the presence of any devotee to lead them. They appreciated my lecture and I appreciated their attitude. They joined in Ratha-yātrā very enthusiastically. So try your best to convince them by very nice preaching, and in particular very nice *saṭkīrtana* party and distribution of our literatures. It is very good news also that you have received permission in Providence for chanting and distributing literature and incense as well as collecting. Now you should concentrate to develop your spiritual power to attract the fallen souls to Kṛṅña consciousness. The daily regulative duties must be performed by everyone very strictly, the beads chanted sixteen rounds and our literatures read and discussed. In this way everything should be done very nicely. ==Saṭkīrtana should be done by you in the streets and at gatherings and in this manner display what is this Kṛṅña consciousness movement and how it is for everyone's eternal welfare and happiness.== " ([[letters/1970/700708_manager_of_security_pacific_bankb|Śrīdhāmā, 8 July, 1970]]) ==70-07 *"== Regarding harassment of our devotees, yes, this is not a new thing in the history of the world that preachers are sometimes persecuted. But at the present status of civilization I do not think anybody will be crucified like Lord Jesus Christ.* Hirañyakaśipu persecuted his own son and only five years old. So the demons and atheists are always prepared to give trouble to the devotees. Sometimes the demons like Kaḥsa are prepared to kill God even. During Lord Caitanya's time Ṃhākura Haridāsa was also persecuted and put into jail. Not only that, he was whipped in twenty-two market places, but still the demons could not come out successful in the snubbing down of the Hare Kṛṅña movement. So do not be worried about this. Go on about your business. Kṛṅña will give you all help, rest assured. Simply stick to your work seriously and sincerely." ([[letters/1970/700715_upendra|Upendra, 15 July, 1970]]) *** 70-09 "I am glad to learn your *saṭkīrtana* party is going to all the areas of the city each time out. Here also the *saṭkīrtana* party led by Madhudviṅa Mahārāja is having great success and ==sometimes as many as four hundred business and working men join them in chanting Hare Kṛṅña on the streets. It is all Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mercy that this is happening all around the world *== * and we should pray to Him that He may benedict us with even greater opportunity to spread His *saṭkīrtana* Movement." (SPL to Harivilāsa, September 21st, 1970) 72-09 "I have read your account of the incidents of fighting with the hoodlums with great concern. After all, this world is full of darkness and controlled by the demons, so difficulties are there certainly. But if we stick to the lotus feet of Kṛṅña, these difficulties will be over, just like a child jumps over the pit caused by the hoof of a calf. Kṛṅña fought with so many demons so fighting is not prohibited if it is for the good cause. But one thing is, these are young boys, so actually if you approach them humbly and you yourself go to their leaders and speak to them nicely about Kṛṅña consciousness they will agree to leave us alone, that I think. But if you make big armed confrontation and show of strength there will be continuous fighting more and more. ==Better to resolve the whole situation by approaching their leaders at once and reconciling everything with them by bringing them prasādam and other nice gifts and giving them our philosophy, and if they are willing to hear it, also teach them how to chant Hare Kṛṅña mantra.== These are innocent young boys, they are simply misled, so you go to them and give them the right information and then you will have nothing more to fear from them. But if you think buying a shotgun is necessary, that is all right, we have to defend Kṛṅña's temple if it comes to it." ([[letters/1972/720914_hansadutta|Haḥsadūta, 14 September, 1972]]) *** 72-12 == *"== You are having difficulty with police-force, that is to be expected. This material world is so full of danger, even from our so-called 'protectors.'* But we have got the best protector, Kṛṅña, so do not worry about anything, police or other envious persons. In one stroke Kṛṅña can finish them all But you may get some relief in this connection if you can approach very carefully some leading members of the City Government, or big, big men of the town, and convince them by your words and behavior, that our devotees are not in any way unworthy persons, that in fact they have left their lives of criminals to try to turn others away from being criminals, and that if simply we get a little facility we can render immense service to the cause of law and order. Like that, if you are sincere and cool-headed, they will appreciate after some time—and if only one of such big, big leaders understands the real fact, that is sufficient to stop all further cases of police attacks. But one thing is, we have not got anything to gain by 'fighting the demons in the streets and courts.' No, our process of solving the matter is simple, why should we unnecessarily take botheration for fighting? Only after exhausting every possibility of peaceful solution shall we fight anyone. Just like Kṛṅña, He did not call for fighting until after every chance for settlement failed. So we shall try to overcome our opponents by, first our words and our behavior, and all means of friendly approach we shall attempt by sober planning, and only later, all else failing, shall we actually fight-That is our philosophy. And if we stick to these lines of politics and diplomacy as set out for us by Kṛṅña, we shall expect always victory, without any doubt: Hoping this meets you in good health." ([[letters/1972/721213_balavanta|Balavanta, 13 December, 1972]]) *** 73-02 "I am very much encouraged to hear of your increased *saṭkīrtana* movement and your return to Geneva to open up still another chapter in Lord Caitanya's conquest of the world. You may consult closely with Bhagavān dāsa on all matters and he will give you good advice in this regard. ==As far as police problems are concerned, this is going on all over the world, especially here in Melbourne, they are being persecuted by the police. Even they are going to jail daily, but still they will not stop their chanting and distributing.== When they go to jail, they refuse to eat the food, and in this way so much public sympathy is there. So eventually the police will accept us and our *saṭkīrtana* activities will go on unchecked. Simply we must have the determination to continue our preaching work under all circumstances." (SPL to Guru Gaurānga, February 11th, 1973) 74-12 "I am in due receipt of your letter undated together with clippings and photos, and thank you very much. I think the article about the book distribution at the airport is indirectly an advertisement. People will come to know about our books and our movement. Here in Bombay they also have the complaint that we are nuisance. What can be done? The writer of the article calls us Hare Kṛṅña's. He calls us this over and over again. He does not know that by doing this he is chanting the holy name and will be benefited. Just like during Lord Caitanya's time, the Mohammedans used to joke how the devotees were chanting Hare Kṛṅña. One of the officers said to his subordinate that it was all right that they were chanting, but why was he chanting. And ==the man had to admit that, yes he was also chanting and that he did not know why he was doing it. So by writing this article, this man is chanting.*" ([[letters/1974/741206_sri_govinda|Śrī Govinda dāsa, 6 December, 1974]]) *** 74-12 "My opinion is that it is not necessary for us to utilize these different musical talents for spreading Kṛṅña consciousness. I would rather see people follow strictly the path of Lord Caitanya and His *saṭkīrtana* devotees. We are using *mṛdaṭga* , *karatāla* , that is enough. ==We are not musicians. We are Kṛṅña bhaktas. Therefore we do not stress so much importance on these different musical talents. Śri Caitanya Mahāprabhu is God Himself. Had He thought it would have been better to spread Kṛṅña consciousness by another way He would have done so.== But no, simply with *mṛdaṭga* and *karatāla* , traveling and chanting Hare Kṛṅña, asking everyone to chant Hare Kṛṅña, preaching simply *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* philosophy, this is the process. There is no need for us to try and add anything to this simple method. It will only be a distraction. Therefore I request you to follow the simple path of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu == *== * and help me spread this wonderful mission all over the world. Keep yourself pure and fixed up in Kṛṅña consciousness by following the basic principles that I have given; chanting 16 rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, rising early, attending maṭgala-ārati and classes etc. This is of the utmost importance." ([[letters/1974/741228_jagadisa|Jagadīśa Pañòita, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 75-11 " ==I am glad to note that you are taking out the travelling party. I hope that you have good success. Just do everything very soberly. Regarding the instruments, stringed instruments are Vedic, but the real Vedic instrument is mṛdaṭga and karatāla. Anyway, you have to do according to the time and circumstances if you use these other instruments. So you have got my approval and you can go on." ([[letters/1975/751110_bahudak|== **SPL to Bahūdaka dāsa, 10 November, 1975]]) ==76-09 "Yes, kīrtana and prasāda will appeal to even the uneducated. We have means to preach to both the educated and uneducated, the sinful and the pious—dhīrādhīra-jana-priyau. Regarding the concerts, make mṛdaṭga concert. You will get good mṛdaṭgas from LA."== ([[letters/1976/760929_dvarakesa|Dvārakeśa dāsa, 29 September, 1976]]) *** 76-10 "Go on singing Kṛṅña *kīrtana* . That is our program. ==Caitanya Mahāprabhu used to go out chanting. He never spoke philosophy in public, only among higher circles. The chanting is very effective. Along with tambora and mṛdaṭga played very rhythmically let them chant. *== * Perform this musical demonstration and sell books as far as possible, and feasting. Then everything will be successful. It is good that they do not like these bogus yogis and they like Hare Kṛṅña *mantra* . Give them the chance to chant the Hare Kṛṅña *mahā-mantra* somehow or other, then very soon good results will be visible." ([[letters/1976/761028_caitya-guru|*SPL to Harikeśa Swami, 28 October, 1976]]) ## Politicians and Leaders 68-10 "I have received your letter without date, stating about the situation in Boston. On the statement of your letter, I can understand that it is a political situation. Of course == *,== although everything is included in Kṛṅña consciousness, we do not wish to take part directly in controversial politics. We can take part in politics only which is sanctioned by Kṛṅña.* This political struggle by the students is a different thing. It is a reaction of the *karma* . Because both the opposing parties, namely the students who have taken shelter in the churches, and the Government force which is coming to arrest them, both of them are on the same category, because when there will be question of meat-eating, or supporting the slaughterhouse, both of them will agree. So the present situation is the reaction of man's sinful activities. We especially recommend to restrain from four lands of primary sinful activities, namely, illicit sex, intoxication, meat-eating, and gambling. But all these fighting people, they are cent per cent addicted to all these habits. So if they are serious for mitigating the unpalatable situation of the society, they must agree to accept Kṛṅña consciousness, otherwise there is no possibility of peace in the world. Anyway, the situation in Boston as you have described is not very much favorable for preaching our Kṛṅña consciousness, but if there is possibility of selling our *Back to Godheads* , that is very nice. You can take advantage." ([[letters/1968/681009_dayananda|Satsvarūpa, 9 October, 1968]]) *** 68-10 "So far my going to Boston, unless the students agree to hear patiently for some time, *Bhagavad-gītā* , *Teachings of Lord Caitanya,* the casual lectures will not be very much beneficial. So they are not very much interested, otherwise they would have come to our classes. But I told you previously that I am prepared to go provided they pay the expenses. But I think that is also not possible. So why should you take the risk of getting me there and with great difficulty you shall maintain my expenses, I think it is not very much favorable, so we shall see later on what is to be done, for the time being let it be dropped....So the situation is not very favorable, but if somebody agrees to hear *Bhagavad-gītā* and the *Teachings of Lord Caitanya* , continually for some time, even they do not pay me anything, ==I am prepared to go and lecture. But not to take part in some political agitation.*" (SPL to Satsvarūpa, October 9th, 1968) 68-11 "I understand that you are trying to get more lectures at colleges, also in sociology and political classes and philosophy classes. You should not give political or social discussions while speaking on Kṛṅña consciousness philosophy from the *Bhagavad-gītā* and *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* ; you can simply touch on some socio-political implications. Kṛṅña consciousness is so broad and all inclusive that naturally when speaking in Kṛṅña consciousness ==we get so many opportunities to deal in politics although that is not our subject matter. To do so requires expert handling.== You can take part in such classes and present the subject matter in such a way that it may at first appear like socio-political-philosophical affairs, but actually introduce our Kṛṅña consciousness philosophy. That requires tactful handling. You can give it a political, etc., headline and then end it with our philosophy. This is *visokumbham payomukhan* . That means to give somebody a jar of poison with a label of nectarine or milk preparation on it. So we have to become politician in this way, just like old politics there was presentation of *visokanya* . This *visokanya* is a poison beautiful girl. The idea was that a baby girl was from the very beginning administered little doses of poison every day, which she could tolerate. And gradually increasing the doses, culminating in large doses when she was youth. Such girls were engaged in killing enemies. The enemy will be received as a guest, and this girl will be engaged for looking after his comfort, and when they are friendly, as soon as the enemy will kiss the girl on the mouth, the poisonous effect will immediately affect because with the tongue the poison is very quickly effective. And the enemy would die. Similarly, we have to introduce Kṛṅña consciousness in such a way that through politics and sociology they will be injected and become Kṛṅña conscious. But instead of being a victim, they will be immortalized. That is the difference." ([[letters/1968/681114_aniruddha|Satsvarūpa, 14 November, 1968]]) *** 70-07 "And I am especially convinced that the government of your country must come forward to assist us. ==We may approach our government leaders with our simple formula and show to them by the practical result that we are accomplishing the reform work that they are trying to do by spending millions of dollars but not very successfully.== We, on the other hand, are rescuing the most fallen members of society among the young people and giving them new life of spiritual or highly desirable qualities, such as honesty, cleanliness, truthfulness, morality, like that. Now you approach the government leaders and convince them in this way, and that will be the greatest achievement. They have got so much money for spending for human welfare activities, and practically we are demonstrating that they have given us foodstuffs in India and we are distributing them daily to not less than 500 men, and if they would give us more we could also increase more and more. Your government has got inclination to assist the unfortunate people of the world, and that is very nice idea, now they should understand also that we are very much anxious and capable to assist them in their great and noble endeavor by rendering our services amongst the unfortunate citizens. If they give us financial help in this matter of human welfare activities, we are prepared to save or rescue their entire population from the clutches of ruin and degradation of all sorts. As I think you have tried once before and you have met some important political leaders in your Washington, D.C., so I am requesting you especially should take up this task very seriously of convincing your nation's leaders to give us all cooperation, and we shall in turn volunteer our all services to help them. By our mutual combination I am certain that we can improve the entire humanity to the point of spiritual understanding and thus automatically eliminate the basis for wars, poverty, disease, inequality, insufficient supplies of foodstuffs, and so many other problems that plague our so-called civilized societies.” ([[letters/1970/700701_citsukhananda|Rūpānuga, 1 July, 1970]]) *** 70-09 == *"== Your proposals for increasing our popularity and familiarity among influential circles in the USA is very good.* You may know that when I was in Los Angeles I especially wanted to use the new temple to attract some influential persons to our movement, but nothing much was done in that regard. Now if you can do something, that is more important than coming to India immediately. Lord Kṛṅña says in *Bhagavad-gītā* that what great men do the common man will follow. ==So if we want actually to be successful we must convince the influential men of your country, then everything will follow automatically.== So I request you to take this matter very seriously, as I think you have some special talent for it." ([[letters/1970/700922_bhagavan|Śyāmasundara, 22 September, 1970]]) ==70-11 "Please continue to try and convince the world leaders who are in Washington DC about our Kṛṅña consciousness program.== Why don't you approach the Congressmen and Representatives and inform them of the work that our men are doing within their states and cities. If they are favorably impressed with our work, they may be able to give us Government land and property and so many other facilities which we can utilize to aid all of the population. I think so many men will be glad to receive our books, so please utilize this opportunity. Simply it requires determination and imagination. Maybe you can get the Indian Ambassador and his wife to hold a meeting at which many important men can be invited. If he and his wife are favorably impressed, certainly they can hold a nice meeting one evening. At that meeting you can speak and explain what our movement is and show slides and movies. Make a book table and display all of our books. Never mind if they also like to read from Ramakrishna. If you give them our Kṛṅña book to read, very soon all other tastes will go away." (SPL to Dāmodara, November 12th, 1970) 71-07 "Yes, it will be a great event if you can arrange a meeting with President Nixon. If Mr. Nixon keeps a cool head and tries to understand our movement, it will be good for us and the whole world also. Actually the whole world is suffering for want of Kṛṅña consciousness, that is a fact. So there is great turmoil everywhere. If Nixon will help us a little, we can do the work with great enthusiasm and facility. ==Unfortunately the politicians do not want to see people in higher consciousness. They want to keep the people in darkness and exploit their sentiment for personal aggrandizement.== They pose to be the friend of the people, but they are actually not. The real friend is Kṛṅña. Still, if you can make arrangements to meet with Nixon, it will be a great event, so try for it very seriously." (SPL to Dāmodara and Abhirāma, July 3rd, 1971) 71-07 == *"== Yes, the government officials should come forward from the practical side, that we are creating young men, devotees of God, with character.* They are getting married and leading nice family lives. They are very clean in their habits and take bath twice and thrice. And they are so hopeful of their future life—so much so that people call them bright-faced. So apart from God consciousness, there are these practical results and others. They have given up intoxication, etc. So all these government officials and congressmen should be thoroughly convinced of these practical factors. They are devoid of illicit sex also. So many nice things we are training. So let them come forward. Let us have schools and buildings to train the children from the very beginning in Kṛṅña consciousness. Just see how they are bowing down before superiors, how they are dancing and chanting. So let them help us. We will change the present derogatory confused state amongst the younger section. Let us start centers from town to town and give our members facility to travel freely from center to center. Let them distribute our books in all government schools, libraries, etc. Then just see the result We can send our men to all schools and colleges for lecturing. So let us cooperate. America, by the grace of God, has got everything sufficiently and if they are trained in this Kṛṅña consciousness, they will be first-class country in the world with all riches, beauty, rich philosophy, so many things. So why the government is callous to our movement? There is no good reason. So let them come forward and cooperate with us." ([[letters/1971/710707_bhagavan|Bhagavān dāsa, 7 July, 1971]]) *** 71-11 "I am very pleased to hear that you have got some more devotees to assist you. Now you plot out a program with them how best to spread Kṛṅña consciousness in Japan. Our process is to infiltrate. We should not bother very much for their red tape, just rely on Kṛṅña and by our determination everything will happen nicely according to His plan. ==These governments exist only for saying no, so I am not very optimistic that any government will ever help us.*"== ([[letters/1971/711120_bhakta_dasa|Sudāmā, 20 November, 1971]]) *** 71-12 " ==Generally I don't have much faith in these politicians. They are no more interested for the welfare of the citizens. Simply they want some votes to exploit others. But let us see what can be done."== (SPL to Dāmodara, December 3rd, 1971) 71-12 "You are a very good boy, and you are sincerely serving Kṛṅña, so you may know it for certain that very soon all of your anxieties will disappear. ==I am especially pleased that you are eager to attract the upper class of your society== by hosting them in your place you have got near the temple. This is a good proposal. First convince them of our philosophy, then request them very seriously to cooperate with us in spreading this great Kṛṅña consciousness movement. If we get their cooperation then our prestige and local standing will be very solid and respectable ==*.== So I am very much pleased that you are developing this program of approaching big, big businessmen and leaders." ([[letters/1971/711212_uddhava|Atreya Rṅī, 12 December, 1971]]) *** 72-02 =="We have no complicated political platform. Politicians today are simply pickpockets, tricking the voters to pick their pockets. They make promises to gratify the public's senses, but then they only gratify their own senses and the public throws them out, repeatedly. So we can promise perfect peace and happiness, and we can fulfill our promise very easily." (SPL to Balavanta, February 18th, 1972) 72-03 "I am very much pleased that you are expanding our position at Gainesville temple, especially ==I am glad that you are entering politics to try for city commissioner position *.== * This will be good opportunity to preach widely and sell our literatures, so take advantage. But one thing, our platform must be very simple, that there is no other sacrifices necessary for the well-being of the citizens save and except this *saṭkīrtana* yajïa. Regularly the town citizens and everyone congregate and chant Hare Kṛṅña and hold festivals of celebration continually, with wide-spread distribution of tasty foodstuffs—who will not be attracted by such program? This is our simple method, nothing else. Any other political programs proposed by politicians will simply spoil everything. Actual government means to give the citizens the highest welfare, that is, spiritual fulfillment and access they should provide to obtain without difficulty the perfection of this human life. Otherwise, government means democracy, so now instead of one king who could rule piously, there are thousands of kings, each one interested in taking only some taxes for his spending, not for welfare. Nowadays, politician means pick-pocket, fooling the people who are innocent into voting them and then picking their pockets, because in two or four years they know they may be replaced by some other king so they take as much as they can. The people are innocent, we have seen this everywhere, even in Russia, it is only these rascal leaders who have spoiled everything by fooling the people for their personal advantage. So I am very much serious that you all boys and girls should expose these Nixons and remove them, there is ample scope for protest in this *saṭkīrtana* movement, and you yourselves be president, that is my hope for saving the misled mankind from total chaos. Popularize this movement in the world, but better to avoid talk of slaughterhouses, illicit sex, etc., and give the public instead the positive approach to life of Kṛṅña consciousness. Kindly keep me informed how your election comes out or any publicity you get in the newspapers. Hoping this will meet you in good health and happy mood." (*SPL to Amarendra, March 4th, 1972) ==72-05 *"== Yes, that is a good policy, that you shall run for public office of state representative for Georgia State. That will be a good platform for preaching.* Your speeches must be very effective because you will be always in the public eye and your behavior and words will reflect our whole society. But one thing is, because it is political election, you can criticize openly. When there is election you can severely criticize, and in that way it is nice proposal. At least this will give our movement good publicity and you will be able to enlighten in general by pointing out the bad state of affairs of present day society. At present moment, our leaders are simply misleading people, and the people in general are innocently following them to their ruin. So it is very much our duty to come to their aid and point out exactly how this sinful living, namely, slaughtering animals, intoxication, illicit sex life, and gambling, how these sinful activities are so much degrading to the human kind and how they are only producing hippies, wars, and endless suffering as a result. So we want to give the citizens the positive value of Kṛṅña consciousness way of life, so for that activity we must always be preaching very strongly in the public. Therefore I approve your plan to run for public office; now you do it with full confidence and conviction, never mind there may be some opposition, that is to be expected." ([[letters/1972/720528_balavanta|Balavanta, 28 May, 1972]]) *** 72-06 "I am in due receipt of your letter dated 30th May, 1972, along with news-clippings about your attempt to get the political post in Gainesville, Florida. I am very glad to hear from you that you are enthusiastically pushing forward with Kṛṅña consciousness programs there. I was very pleased to see in the newspaper clippings that you were voicing our Kṛṅña consciousness platform very nicely and that the public was given opportunity to understand something. As you are so much eager for this political activity in Kṛṅña consciousness, you may go on endeavoring to utilize this activity for preaching to the public. If Satsvarūpa and others have encouraged you to make settlement in Gainesville city and thus become well known as a political figure, that is a good proposal but you may do as you see fit in this matter. You are correct in thinking that simply by this full-time preaching activity all other problems will be solved very easily in the matter of financial and other problems. What is that financial security? Real security is only there at the lotus feet of Kṛṅña, and Kṛṅña is most pleased of all upon His devotee who is always preaching His message. It is recommended in *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* that simply by engaging your tongue in the service of Kṛṅña that He becomes revealed unto you, so in this way we can understand that all of your questions will be answered more and more as the preaching work progresses. I was also at one time interested in politics and Gandhi's non-cooperation movement. But nowadays I am not too much familiar with the politics of your country, so whatever you consider the best thing, do it very nicely and always remember Kṛṅña. In this way by your sincere preaching and engaging of the tongue all of the right answers for your questions will come out. It is a fact that Kṛṅña desires to have His own men in the top posts. That is why after so much fighting in the Battle of Kurukṅetra, only the five Pāñòavas remained, because they are devotees of Kṛṅña and He likes it when His own men are serving in the top positions of leadership. ==So gradually we shall also try to influence the leaders of this country and other countries to base their political activities upon a God-consciousness platform.== It is the duty of the *brahminical* class to advise the leaders, not that they shall themselves serve as leaders. So more and more I am urging my students to recognize the grave responsibility which is theirs for saving this fallen human society from gliding down to hell. Actually, it is the fault of the rascal leaders that the conditions in the world today are so topsy-turvy. In your country many fools elect the biggest fool to be their leader, it is like one blind man leading so many other blind men. But for the most part, the ordinary citizens of the society are innocent enough, they simply require good leaders and everything can be rectified. So it is our great responsibility to become very serious in the matter of executing Kṛṅña consciousness, and if we are sincere and go on expanding this Movement all over the world, gradually we shall induce the leaders to accept our philosophy more and more. You are the pioneer in this matter amongst the devotees in your country, so whatever experience you have gained you may pass on to the others who may also attempt to engage in political activities. I am very thankful to you for your bold attempts. May Kṛṅña give you His all blessings." (SPL to Amarendra, June 12th, 1972) ==72-06 "I am very glad to hear that you are keeping active in the political arena, and if we are able to establish Kṛṅña== conscious leaders throughout the country in important posts, we will be able to save everyone from the present dangerous position of the world.== People in general are being guided into hellish condition of life by the rascal leaders, so we must establish qualified *brāhmañas* at the head of the society, and widely distribute Kṛṅña conscious principles. So you continue in this way, and Kṛṅña will give you the needed strength and intelligence." (SPL to Balavanta, June 17th, 1972) 72-06 "My dear Mr. President: Several thousand years ago a great pious emperor ruled over this planet. He was a descendant of the great Kuru dynasty and the grandson of Arjuna, the hero of the *Bhagavad-gītā* and the personal associate of the Lord, Śri Kṛṅña. The people lived under his domain in peace. He provided protection for the people and the cows, as well as all other living entities. He engaged many *brāhmanas* , spiritual leaders, to educate his people and advise him in all matters. The people were just and God-conscious. They had a good understanding of the meaning and purpose of life and lived in happiness and prosperity. They respected their emperor and received kindness and benedictions from him. You are a great President of a great nation. In this age of unrest and quarrel, your strength, as well as the strength of your nation, will be lasting if it is built upon the pillars of spiritual knowledge and Absolute Truth. I am seventy-six years of age and am in the renounced order of life. I came to this country from India six years ago to introduce Kṛṅña consciousness, the scientific process of spiritual life, to the English-speaking people of the Western world. Now by the grace of Kṛṅña I have many thousands of disciples, young American and European boys and girls. Many of them have come to me bewildered, rebellious, and addicted to all sorts of sinful activities. Like so many of the young people today, they were lost and confused. Now they are all leading a disciplined and regulated life. They follow strict principles of spiritual life, with no desire for intoxication of any kind, or illicit sex life. They are always engaged in meaningful work, serving God and their fellow man. They have become the flower of your country and all over the world they are being treated with the highest respect. I would humbly like to request an interview with you to discuss the possibilities of my providing further service. My disciple, Atreya Ṛṅi dāsa will assist your aides to arrange a suitable time and place for a meeting. I hope this meets you in best of health. Your ever well-wisher, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami." (*SPL to The President, The White House, Washington, 28th June, 1972) 72-10 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated nil, and with great pleasure I have read also the enclosed brochure ’Who Will lead Us?’ That is a new chapter for the Kṛṅña Consciousness Movement. Now we shall begin to educate the politicians gradually. But they are so much corrupted by their sense gratification that we shall find it a difficult task. But if gradually we may present our philosophy in public places as you are doing in Atlanta, that will be appreciated by the intelligent class of men, and ==it will become well known that our philosophy of political leadership is of the highest standard and morality *,== * and if anyone wants to advertise himself that he has made program for the welfare of the people, he must be forced to compare his program with ours so the citizens may judge which is better. Continue increasing this political activity, it is very pleasing to me." ([[letters/1972/721024_rupanuga|Rūpānuga, 24 October, 1972]]) *** 72-10 "But so far recommendation of the Indian Government is concerned, they will not help us, that is to be expected. They are the most corrupt of all, simply levying taxes, living nicely at the public expense, plotting how to get votes, and if anyone approaches 'please help us spread God-consciousness' they say 'No' and make some excuse, that's all. Never-mind, we do not rely upon Indian Government or any government, ==we shall take our strength from Lord Caitanya and He has said that His name shall be heard in every town and village, and He is God and we are doing His business, so what some government officials can do? But because we want to engage everyone in the service of Lord Caitanya, therefore we approach these rascals, just to engage them.== So you may continue in this way to canvass government leaders, the Indian Tourist [text missing] Kenneth Keating, and anyone and everyone to help us, there is no harm." ([[letters/1972/721024_rupanuga|*SPL to Rūpānuga, 24 October, 1972]]) *** 72-12 "I have had a good laugh and enjoyed your tricking the opponent candidates in election race, especially in front of the college students. That is a very good sign. Now I want that we shall recruit more and more our men amongst the intelligent class of men. Because they are a little educated or they have got some wealth or fame or ability, so they will be sometimes little puffed-up, but that is all right, they deserve it. ==Now we shall have to learn the art how to approach such higher-class of men and attract them to apply themselves to this Kṛṅña consciousness process of self-realization. That requires much tact, and we shall have to expect to meet all challenges by sharp minds.== But if we remain always absorbed in remembering Lord Caitanya, how He converted so many intelligent men, even sitting for three days and nights to hear them speak without Himself speaking anything, and if we remember how Kṛṅña was so much patient to explain everything to Arjuna, even Arjuna was speaking like a fool—in this way, being always tolerant of others and appreciating their points of view, it will be easy matter for us to convince them gradually to join us. So you have got a very great opportunity for this land of preaching work. You want to place yourself for public office, that is nice. But that will require your best brain how to do it. Try to win, why not? Of course we may utilize the situation to expose our philosophy and ideas, but if there is also competition spirit, that will increase our enthusiasm to preach and try to convince the citizens. So if there is again occasion for voting race, why not invite and organize some of the other devotees in your country who have got some experience to advertise, canvass, make propaganda, like that, and they may come there for a few weeks at a time to help you. In this way, make big, big propaganda. Attract the public to hear our views and plans for practical welfare for the common men. You are American boys and girls, you have got the best brains, now cooperate to place this Kṛṅña consciousness movement at the front of all others, that is my request. You are having difficulty with police-force, that is to be expected. This material world is so full of danger, even from our so-called 'protectors.' But we have got the best protector, Kṛṅña, so do not worry about anything police or other envious persons. In one stroke Kṛṅña can finish them all. But you may get some relief in this connection if you can approach very carefully some leading members of the city Government, or big, big men of the town, and convince them by your words and behavior that our devotees are not in any way unworthy persons, that in fact they have left their lives of criminals to try to turn others away from being criminals, and that if simply we get a little facility we can render immense service to the cause of law and order. Like that, if you are sincere and cool-headed, they will appreciate after some time—and if only one of such big, big leaders understands the real fact, that is sufficient to stop all further cases of police attacks. But one thing is, we have not got anything to gain by 'fighting the demons in the streets and courts.' No, our process of solving the matter is simple, why should we unnecessarily take botheration for fighting? Only after exhausting every possibility of peaceful solution shall we fight anyone. Just like Kṛṅña, He did not call for fighting until after every chance for settlement failed. So we shall try to overcome our opponents by, first, our words and our behavior, and all means of friendly approach we shall attempt by sober planning, and only later, all else failing, shall we actually fight. That is our philosophy. And if we stick to these lines of politics and diplomacy as set out for us by Kṛṅña, we shall expect always victory, without any doubt: Hoping this meets you in good health." ([[letters/1972/721213_balavanta|Balavanta, 13 December, 1972]]) *** 72-12 "Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated November 30th, 1972, wherein I am so shocked to hear from you that you have left your good wife for some time to have sex-life with another girl, who is also a devotee, and that she is now pregnant with your child. That is most disturbing to me. But I know that all big leaders are falling victim to sex-life. So let her live in New York and you live in Paris with your wife, what can be done? But you should not ever see or correspond in any way with her again. That will be the worst example. If you are leader, how you can do these things? If someone will have her, she may get herself married and be happy in Kṛṅña consciousness—I do not want that she shall go away from shame. But you must have nothing more to do with her. Just like [another devotee] has done. He was like the sifter, full of holes, and he was finding fault only in others: Oh, just see that needle, he has got a hole. Now he has made one girl pregnant and they were found out, so he has left me as my personal servant. That is the common practice: full of holes, yet they are accusing others, Oh!, he has got one hole! Our business is to raise ourselves to the highest status of like as preachers of Kṛṅña's message, and one should behave himself rigidly, then he should instruct others. Two things: Be himself exemplary, then teach others to be exemplary. If one has not come to that high standard, he cannot judge or criticize others. There is one saying from Bible: 'Judge not, lest ye be judged.' So how we can preach unless we are able to make judgements? That will not be possible. ==Only those who are above suspicion can judge others. One must himself act in such a way that he is always above suspicion. Then he can judge, then he can preach. But now you have no power to instruct. One who is not following himself, how he can instruct others?== If you are repentant, that's all right. You have got your wife, so if you are sexually inclined therefore you should always be with your wife. You are repenting, so Kṛṅña will excuse you. But never do this again. Rather you should stop sex-life altogether, make this your austerity. Do not eat nicely, chant always 16 rounds, and pray to Kṛṅña to excuse you for your great offense. You are one of the senior devotees, therefore if you behave like that then the whole Society will be at risk. By their nature, gestures, dress, women are lusty—that is their habit. In the *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* it is stated that when a woman comes to serve you, you must be very careful, especially for *sannyāsīs* and *brahmacārīes* ." (SPL to unknown, December 17th, 1972) 72-12 I like very much your proposal for approaching all the big leaders of the world and presenting them one *Bhagavad-gītā* As It Is * and one copy of * Back to Godhead*, along with letter of description of our Kṛṅña consciousness movement. If you can send me the copy of that Supreme Court Judge's letter? If you simply inform them something, by way of the line of our preaching logic and authority, gradually they may come to know about us and help us. But one thing is, our experience is that such big men will not help us, except if there is some rare soul like Mr. George Harrison, and they must be guided also by our personally contacting them again and again and slowly build up the relationship. We are more interested that the mass of men shall support us—what good a handful of high class supporters will do? Just like in your country, there was election, and the opponent of Mr. Nixon, he was supported by all high class men, but because Mr. Nixon had help of the common men he was successful and won the fight. But, if even one such high class man becomes preacher on our behalf, if he actually becomes converted to Kṛṅña consciousness preaching work, then that is the best contribution of your preaching also. Just like George, now he is practically converted and he is only preaching about Kṛṅña, and he has done that from the beginning. I think you knew him in London also, so you know how he is helping us push on the preaching. So that type of big personality, if you can catch one or two such men for preaching contribution, Oh!, that will be wonderful achievement for you. We want that the mass shall support us, but we want that the class shall preach for us, that is the distinction. Is it clear? Please inform me from time to time how that program, of inducing influential men to preach somehow or other our Kṛṅña philosophy is progressing. I know that you have got good ability to do that work, I remember how you used to bring so many big men to see me in London, at that John Lennon's house. So if you sincerely desire to serve Him in that way, Kṛṅña will give you every opportunity and intelligence how to seize it up, that He says: Hoping this meets you and your nice wife, Jānakī, in good health." ([[letters/1972/721227_mukunda|Mukunda, 27 December, 1972]]) *** 73-01 "So far your ideas about influencing the leaders of society, yes, that must be done. But political power is not in their hands actually, factually speaking. It is the common people who elect the leaders of your country. Therefore we must get the support of the common men. What good is the support of a handful of so-called leaders of society? But, on the other hand, if such leaders of society can be influenced to preach on our behalf, help us to spread Kṛṅña consciousness in some practical way, that is the best service. But simply supporting, that will not help us. Support of mass of people will help us. But mass of people take direction from their leaders, so if the leaders of present day society can be persuaded of our beneficial working for the human welfare, and if they help us somehow to spread what they have learned from us to the people in general, that is the point to be considered. By going out for *saṭkīrtana* and selling books to the citizens at large, in this way we are gradually getting the support of everyone, not just a select few. I have heard that during the last election of President in your country that the opposite party to Mr. Nixon was supported by most of the so-called intelligent class of men of your country, but still, what could they do, such high class of men, in comparison with Mr. Nixon? Mr. Nixon has got the support of the common men, therefore he is successful. So like that, ==we must get the support of the common men, and if the leading men can be induced by you to preach on our behalf, then you will be able to speed up the process and actually that is a very great service for Kṛṅña.== Spending so much time with upper class citizens to get funds must be judged on this idea, whether their appreciating our movement will have any practical effect in terms of widespread spreading of Kṛṅña consciousness and preaching to the mass of men? The program, as you have mentioned it, of approaching the professors to introduce our books in their classrooms, that is the right idea. In that way the leading class, just like the professors, if they can be induced to preach on our behalf, just like introducing the books to their students is one form of preaching, if they will do like that, then spending time with them is very, very desirable and effective." (SPL to Dāmodara, January 9th, 1973) 74-01 == *"== Your political preaching is encouraging to me. We should expose before the public eye that the lowest class of men are now taking the posts of leaders,* and therefore there can be no peace or happiness. I have given the idea for a poster which shall be entitled: 'Select Real Leaders—Don't Spoil Life,' and it will depict devotees as leaders, illustrating that real leaders have to be free of meat eating and animal slaughter, illicit sex, intoxication and gambling. This poster is being prepared in LA. and I want it distributed all over the world, and you can use it widely in your campaign for Mayor of Washington DC." (SPL to Dāmodara, January 16th, 1974) 74-03 "...I will be glad to hear of your progress in political *saṭkīrtana* . ==Your political saṭkīrtana Godbrothers, Balavanta and Amarendra are here in Bombay helping us for some time, but I have informed them that their real work is in the USA.== So you are in the nation's capital and if you can get support it will be grand preaching for our Movement. Anyway, we are simply presenting the truth, which is that outside of Kṛṅña consciousness there is no hope for the betterment of the troubled conditions of modem affairs, rather they are going to hell without check." (SPL to Dāmodara, March 23rd, 1974) 74-04 ==“Our men in the USA are already taking part in politics. For the time being superficially we have registered our political party under the name, ’In God We Trust’ party. Similarly we can work in England and if the leading personalities cooperate we can have the whole Parliament as Kṛṅña conscious men including Her Majesty the Queen.” ([[letters/1974/740401_syamasundara|*SPL to Śyāmasundara, 1 April, 1974]]) ==74-04 "As for political speaking, first of all, don’t go so much into the details of the affairs. Our message is that people should elect pure God conscious leaders, that is our main statement. We cannot go into details. As a side touch you can speak on inflation”== ([[letters/1974/740428_balavanta|Balavanta, 28 April, 1974]]) *** 74-04 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your recent undated Letter along with enclosed new paper clippings and I thank you very much. I have studied your statements in the papers and you have repeated my ideas and at the same time sounded like a politician, and this combination is very effective. You are certainly the right man for this preaching work. They have taken you as a serious candidate and according to your statement, you feel you may even win. ==So I am very much encouraged by this political field in America.== The people there are very intelligent and they take your statements seriously. I do not need to tell you to push on with this work in serious concentration because I see you are already very determined. In this connection you may see a letter I have just sent yesterday to Rūpānuga Gosvāmī in which I have described the need for our political devotees to always stay firmly fixed up in the regulative principles so they will be actually *brāhmañas* . ==Preach on the basis of the division of the society into four orders, as without this the society is useless and people cannot be happy or even have the necessities of life.== I am keeping your news clippings in a special scrap book and reading them to my important guests in India to show them the potential of this movement. Unfortunately in India they do not take it very seriously; it is up to you in America to actually accomplish something in terms of introducing the principles of *Bhagavad-gītā* As It Is* into government ([[letters/1974/740429_amarendra|Amarendra, 29 April, 1974]]) ==74-05 *"== Your entering politics is good. You should make political propagation on the basis of reforming the whole human society. The leaders must be an ideal class of men, with ideal character, free from the four sinful activities:* no meat eating, no gambling, no illicit sex and no intoxications, as well as chanting. They should chant the names of God. This is essential for leaders. Leaders must be ideal men so others will follow them. So make propaganda on this basis. We are Kṛṅña conscious candidates, so our political propaganda must be 100% Kṛṅña consciousness." ([[letters/1974/740509_caru|Caru, 9 May, 1974]]) ==74-06 "I have stopped the political movement because it will not help us. It is a very filthy atmosphere. Better you do not indulge in those things with expenditure of money and spiritual energy."== ([[letters/1974/740608_syamasundara|Rūpānuga, 8 June, 1974]]) *** 74-06 '1 have asked you to stop the political program because actually you cannot organize as the others can. We cannot manage with separate money, separate brains from our regular ISKCON propagation. ==It is not so easy to do politics, moreover it is a filthy atmosphere. So do not indulge in it *.== * I am glad to hear all the participants have stopped. So you convey to them my instructions in this matter. We have an immense field of work in distributing books, in reading and chanting and working for Kṛṅña in many fields. And the aim of it is to always remember Kṛṅña. Some philosophers think negatively that in response to the nasty consciousness of material life we should become 'thoughtless' but this is not Kṛṅña consciousness, nor is it possible to become void or like a stone. Our process is to purify the thinking by always thinking of Kṛṅña actively and positively....Yes, you should give up the political offices and our men should return to working in the ISKCON centers." (SPL to Dāmodara, June 8th, 1974) 74-06 =="We have so many engagements, therefore I have asked that the political program be stopped as it was creating too much separate effort, separate brain, separate money from our regular ISKCON program." ([[letters/1974/740609_krsna_dasa|Ravindra Svarūpa, 9 June, 1974]]) *** 74-06 "My point is that == *== I cannot employ the Society's money in political campaigning. Moreover it is illegal for the Society which is a religious Society to pay for political campaigns and would cause us to lose our tax exempt status.* The alternative, to make a separate brain, separate funds, and separate manpower is a diversion from our spiritual goal. The other political parties are spending lavishly so how can we compete with them? We do not have enough money nor do I wish to spend our money in this way. Therefore I say it is better to stop. You say you plan to run for US Congress. But for this, you can draw no money from our Society. So your plan is utopian. Better concentrate on developing the brahminical qualities in the devotees there; that is more important than running for political office." ([[letters/1974/740610_balavanta|Balavanta, 10 June, 1974]]) *** 74-12 "I was very much relieved to hear all of the good reports coming from you about New York and I thank you very much for seeing that everything is going on nicely there. As you mention in your letter that the United States is probably the most fertile preaching ground in the world and that the East coast is the best out of that, therefore our New York city temple is an extremely important center and the standard of purity in Kṛṅña consciousness must be maintained there by all means. If somehow or other we can convince the majority of the United States population to take to Kṛṅña consciousness then the whole world will become Kṛṅña conscious. This is a fact. The United States is the leader of all other nations. ==You simply educate the people in this Kṛṅña conscious philosophy and then there will be no difficulty in capturing the government. In your country there is very good system of democracy.== As we have seen just recently the people, as the common people have so much power, that they were able to get down this Nixon, who is obviously a rascal. So if we can simply convince a good majority of persons then they will automatically want a Kṛṅña conscious leader. And if there are Kṛṅña conscious leaders in the government then they will act as Kṛṅña's representative and will be able to save the world from the disastrous condition of life. At the present moment there is nothing but great calamity but by injecting Kṛṅña consciousness into the masses we can change this situation greatly. Because New York is such an important center we must have a very good building. Therefore I want that you somehow or other get this New York Theological Seminary building at once. From the photographs it appears very big and capable of satisfying all our needs. And according to your letter it is an excellent location. And we can arrange for the money. So there is no difficulty. Try to get it as soon as possible. This will be very pleasing to me." ([[letters/1974/741218_rupanuga|Rūpānuga, 18 December, 1974]]) *** 75-11 =="The clippings for Nalini Kānta who is running for the mayor of Phoenix are a good advertisement and we are getting good publicity. But be careful that he may not be implicated too much. There is a proverb which states that one should pick up the fish without touching the water. I think you can understand me on this matter."== ([[letters/1975/751109_jagadisa|Satsvarūpa Mahārāja, 9 November, 1975]]) *** 76-06 "I have received one reply from Mr. Bajaj of the Gita Pratisthan dated May 25, 1976, and it is not feasible for me to attend this meeting so if it appears wise you can go as my disciples on my behalf, both yourself and Gopāla Kṛṅña. This is the line that you should adopt: We are already propagating *Gītā* , but *'As It Is'* without changing. This should be the method. ==Kṛṅña is not going to flatter the politicians and learned scholars, rather Kṛṅña is teaching them how to flatter Kṛṅña== : *na māḥ duṅkṛtino mūòhāù, prapadyante narādhamāù* , etc. If one is not prepared to surrender to Kṛṅña, then what is the meaning of preaching *Gītā* . If one has got their own philosophy, then let them preach their own philosophy, but do not do it in the name of the *Gītā* . This is our protest to all of the interpreters of the *Bhagavad-gītā* . If they do not believe in God, Kṛṅña, and they don't want to surrender to Him, then let him preach atheism. Everyone has got the right to do this, but why through the *Gītā* ? This is like a man who wants to smoke *gaïja* , but he does not want to be caught. So he takes a friend's hand and smokes it in his hand, and then when the authorities come, he says, 'Oh! I have not smoked *gaïja* , see, my hands are clean!' The idea is that ==if one wants to preach the Gītā, then he must preach it as it is, otherwise, don’t go through the Gītā *.== * So as my students, you can speak very tactfully." ([[letters/1976/760606_b.r._sridhara_maharaja|Girirāja, 6 June, 1976]]) ==76-06 "Actually it is a fact. The United Nations is barking like dogs; what have they done? Any sane man can understand that after thirty years they are simply barking."== ([[letters/1976/760606_b.r._sridhara_maharaja|Jayapatākā Mahārāja, 6 June, 1976]]) ==76-10 "Our ultimate aim is to take part in politics; because Kṛṅña took part in politics, we have to follow—but if people do not become Kṛṅña conscious it won’t be possible.== Actually if we can take up the Government, our Movement will be very easily spread and beneficial to the people. We can make happy, peaceful men, God conscious—this is our aim. The main thing is to distribute books more and more. That remark by the man in Houston is to your credit, that this Movement is becoming an epidemic. Actually, everywhere envious people are against this Movement, especially communists, because this movement is a threat to them." ([[letters/1976/761004_balavanta|Balavanta dāsa, 4 October, 1976]]) ==77-04 "Power-hungry politicians are creating havoc everywhere. These rascals create so many difficult situations. The public is very nice, but the politicians keep them in ignorance. I have studied the whole world. Human nature is the same everywhere. The mass of people are very good but these rogues create by their personal aggrandizement so many difficulties."== ([[letters/1977/770420_atreya_rsi|Atreya Ṛṅi dāsa, 20 April, 1977]]) ## Parents 68-03 "Regarding your manner of behavior with your parents who are not in Kṛṅña consciousness, I may inform you that you should treat four different classes of men in four different ways. A devotee should love God and God's devotees. A devotee should make friendship with devotees. A devotee should try to enlighten innocent persons and a devotee should reject opposite elements. As father and mother they should be offered proper respect according to social custom, but you cannot accept their non-Godly instructions. Best thing is, to avoid misunderstanding, to remain silent without any affirmation or negation of their instructions. We should try to keep our friendship with everyone in the world, but ==we cannot sacrifice the principles of Kṛṅña consciousness on being employed by some relative of this world.== Don't let them know that you do not approve your parents' instructions, but at the same time you should be very careful in dealing with them. If you object to their instructions and let them know it, then they will feel sorry, sad." ([[letters/1968/680329_nandarani_dayananda|Nandarāñī and Dayānanda, 29 March, 1968]]) ==68-09 *"== Regarding minor boys who want to be trained by us as brahmacārīs, it is a very nice opportunity to train such young boys, but there are legal implications.* Now, our Society is a registered, recognized, religious Society. So we can consult some lawyer whether such religious institution where we are teaching specifically how to become moral in character. We are teaching them prohibition of four principal sinful activities, and we are teaching them God consciousness. Whether we can teach such minor boys as brahmacārīs and train them. I am very sorry that these people do not want to see their sons develop high character and knowledge in God consciousness, but they want to push them in the stereotyped way of materialistic life. But even we are prepared to help them, if the legal implications are there, what can we do? You can however encourage the boy as he is making progress, but he may have to wait for initiation because he is not still habituated to give up meat-eating. Any person trying to serve Kṛṅña sincerely, certainly Kṛṅña will give him all opportunity to overcome the difficulties." ([[letters/1968/680909_aniruddha|Aniruddha, 9 September, 1968]]) *** 68-10 "Regarding Gargamuni: all of a sudden I thought that he should go and take charge of his father's business, and as soon as I proposed, he phoned to his father and he also was very much anxious to receive. So this is also another chance for us, that we can show a model factory. Actually, as you say that we want to perfect everything in Kṛṅña consciousness, our policy is that without Kṛṅña everything is zero. But zero by the side of Kṛṅña is ten, one hundred, and so on. So the whole Vaiṅñava philosophy is like that. The Rāvaña class of men, they want Sītā without Rāma, and therefore there is havoc. Rāvaña kidnapped Sītā from the clutches of Rāma and the result was that the whole nation, whole family, was vanquished. And Hanumān's policy was to bring back Sītā and let Her sit down by the side of Rāma. So we do not neglect anything, because everything is a manifestation of Kṛṅña's energy. Kṛṅña's energy means Sītā, and Kṛṅña is Rāma. So all material energies that are working in the material world, can be engaged in the service of the Lord. Actually, if your father is fortunate, and I think he is fortunate because he has got two nice sons, so Kṛṅña is certainly pleased on him. His present demoniac qualification is no bar for getting the mercy of Kṛṅña, because you are two sons present for his salvation. == *J== ust like Prahlāda Mahārāja—his father was atheist, and he was always inimical to his great son, but still the son was so good that he arranged for the salvation of his father* . So a Vaiṅñava son in a family can give the best service to his family members, and you are ideal two brothers in this country, and you show the example how everything can be adopted in the service of Kṛṅña. So I am glad that you have got all these ideas, and Gargamuni has got the energy and your father is also willing, that you should cooperate, so let us take this good chance, and try to utilize it for the Kṛṅña consciousness movement." ([[letters/1968/681016_gaurasundara|Brahmānanda, 16 October, 1968]]) *** 68-10 "I am very much perplexed to know that you are not feeling comfortable at the care of your parents == *.== If your parents don’t receive you as their beloved son, I don’t wish to keep you in that blazing fire.* I thank you very much for the strength of your mind and Kṛṅña will certainly help you. You will be pleased to know that I now have an immigration visa for your country and if I get the church center room in the U.N., I am going to make my Headquarters in New York. If your parents don't treat you very well and want to make your life miserable, then you shall live with me. At least I shall not make your life miserable even though I am not as rich as your parents. If your father does not give you facilities for a car and good apartment, I don't advise you to live in that blazing fire. Hope this will meet you in good health." ([[letters/1968/681026_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 26 October, 1968]]) *** 68-11 "I have received a letter from Gargamuni. ==It is very much depressing. I thought that your father and mother will receive him as beloved child, but instead they are ill-treating or at least not treating as beloved child.== I am very much sorry for this behavior and I do not think Gargamuni will be able to do anything good in that situation. When he comes next to the temple, you can inform him about my opinion in this connection. As he is not very comfortable in that position there, I think he may come back and join you again. He has got his own independent talents and he can very easily become a big businessman himself. We shall try to help him in that way, instead of pushing him into the blazing fire of *karmīs* ' activities. I was induced to send him there because your father was so anxious to get him as assistant. But he is not prepared even to give him a good apartment and what to speak of a good car. So I don't think the situation is very favorable." ([[letters/1968/681112_syamasundara|Brahmānanda, 12 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated November 20th, 1968 and previous to this letter I received another letter from you dated November 7th and instead of replying to you directly I have said the following words in a letter addressed to Brahmānanda dated on November 12th and November 16th, that, 'If he feels too much inconvenience at the care of his father, he may come back to you and help you in New York.' I was very much perturbed when I received your letter of November 7th, 1968 and I prayed to Kṛṅña that He may put His merciful glance upon you. So by Kṛṅña's grace, I learned from Tamāla Kṛṅña that your father has already given you a nice apartment. So it is a sort of tug-of-war between your material father and spiritual father. And you are the rope in between. So in the first test I think I have come out successful. But this is a sporting. I have already told you that your father and mother are very good souls, otherwise they could not have produced such nice children like Brahmānanda and Gaigamuni. We are trying to educate our disciples to produce Kṛṅña conscious children, but your father and mother, without being Kṛṅña conscious, have produced such nice Kṛṅña conscious boys, so I am very much obliged to them. The facilities which your father is giving you are going to his credit in Kṛṅña consciousness. The more he gives you facility, the more his balance in Kṛṅña consciousness increases. He does not know his Kṛṅña consciousness balance is increasing, but one day will come when you will see that actually your father is a good soul. So try to win the love and affection of your father in some way or other. You are a very intelligent boy and Kṛṅña will also give you extra intelligence how to deal with your father. ==But you must treat your father as respectful as myself; even if you are sometimes ill-treated, you should tolerate. You should follow the example of Prahlāda Mahārāja.== His father continually tortured him in so many ways, but he never protested against his father, but he never agreed with the opinion of his father. That should be your policy also, that you will never agree to your father's demoniac principles, but still you will try to serve him as faithfully as a nice obedient son. I am sure your father will be responsive and gradually our mission may be successful. I am always praying to Kṛṅña to protect you because I know purposefully I have sent you in a fiery condition of *māyā* . But our philosophy is different. We do not hate *māyā* because we know *māyā* is a faithful agent of Kṛṅña, but her task is very thankless. Our mission is to dovetail everything in the service of Kṛṅña because everything belongs to Kṛṅña. Your father or any other businessman may think improperly that the business belongs to him, and he is entitled to enjoy the property. That is the version of *Bhagavad-gītā* . But the Lord says, 'I am the Supreme Enjoyer of all results of sacrifices, austerities, fruitive actions', etc.. People try to be renouncers of this material world, but we do not see the material world in that angle of vision. We see everything is the product of Kṛṅña's energy and how everything can be dovetailed for serving the purpose of Kṛṅña. Please try to follow this principle and always remember the vivid example of Arjuna, how he utilized his special talent in the matter of warfare to serve Kṛṅña so lovingly. He sacrificed all his good sentiments for his kinsmen, but he accepted the order of Kṛṅña, and thus he came out victorious in the fight. We are therefore neither renouncer nor enjoyer; we are simply servitor of Kṛṅña. Please follow this principle and you will be never disturbed in any frightened condition offered by *māyā* . I am glad also to learn that your father has also increased your salary to $100 per week. Chant Hare Kṛṅña regularly and see the pictures of Lord Caitanya and Kṛṅña and you will be happy. Thanking you once more." ([[letters/1968/681122_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 22 November, 1968]]) *** 68-11 "Regarding the Christmas day meal with your family, I do not think you should partake of the food prepared by non-devotees. Better you should prepare your own foodstuffs and offer to Kṛṅña and then, if you like, you may offer these remnants to Lord Jesus. I think that Lord Jesus will also appreciate this. Of course, you may sit down with your family and take fruits and milk which they offer but rather than taking the foods which they have prepared, you may prepare and offer your own *prasāda* for Lord Kṛṅña, and then offer the same to Lord Jesus." ([[letters/1968/681126_upendra|Hṛṅīkeśa, 26 November, 1968]]) *** 68-12 "I have also heard from Puruṅottama who has spoken to Brahmānanda on the telephone yesterday that your father has made it clear that he will not confide in you or trust you to make advancement very easily in his business. Also I have heard that you have decided to leave back to the New York temple. This idea is all right under the circumstances and ==I think that your father will one day come to regret that he has not cooperated with your plans.*" ([[letters/1968/681219_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 19 December, 1968]]) *** 69-01 "I am in due receipt of your letter of January 1st, 1969 and it is very gratifying to know that Kṛṅña has again engaged you in your own business. When you went to your father sometimes I was thinking whether I have spoiled the career of this boy, but still ==I wanted to give your father a chance so he would not think that the two of his boys are lost in the Kṛṅña consciousness movement.== So it was Kṛṅña's dictation that you went to your father for full cooperation, but he did not respond. Now you are free. I think that the talent which you have got for doing business will help our cause more than what you could have done at the custody of your father." ([[letters/1969/690111_gargamuni|Gargamuni, 11 January, 1969]]) *** 69-01 "Please accept my New Year's greetings. I am so pleased to accept your token of good will and the sounding Haribol with needlework. This cloth is so nice that I have hung it in my room in front of me so that I can see Haribol and remember you always. You are a very fortunate lady to have such nice daughters as Balāi and Līlāsukha. Balāi is very happy with her husband, Advaita, and all of my students are doing very nicely and living very happily. Six boys and girls who were married under my superintendence are now working in London and they are making very hopeful adventures. Here in Los Angeles also there is one married couple, Dayānanda and Nandarāñī, and they also are doing very nicely in improving the temple here. Your son-in-law, Advaita dāsa, is being trained up to take charge of our press. Your daughter is a first-class typist, so in this way all are fully cooperating with me, and I am happy in your country. My endeavors might be sincere, but without their cooperation I could not have executed my mission so quickly. ==I thank you once more for becoming the mother of two devotee girls.*" ([[letters/1969/690113_mrs._hochner|Mrs. Hochner, 13 January, 1969]]) *** 69-02 "The fact that seventy-two regular students are attending your class, plus visitors means it is a great success. May Kṛṅña bless you more and more for your sincere service. I am sure that your little son, Eric, will come out a great preacher in this Kṛṅña consciousness movement because he is trained by an expert father and mother, and this will not go in vain. ==If you can contribute this one son to Kṛṅña for preaching His glories, you will be doing the greatest service to your family== , to your country, and to the people in general." ([[letters/1969/690214_kirtanananda|Rūpānuga, 14 February, 1969]]) *** 69-03 I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May 21st, 1969. I am very glad to send you beads for your initiation, but I think you wanted permission from your father, and I have received the following telegram from him: 'Gopāla Khanna at Montreal our only son, pray his initiation to brahminhood will doom and driven future of this small humble family. Pray abandon program and earn our gratitude, cable. Accepting our prayers Lord bless every one and give us our joy back—Mr. and Mrs. A.S. Khanna, Aban Villa, Santacruz East.' Now I do not know why you had wanted permission from your father. In the material world everyone is interested in pound-shilling-pence. Your parents must be thinking that upon your being initiated you shall become a mendicant and the pound-shilling-pence you are sending will be stopped and they will suffer materially. But you can assure them they will be better off materially after you are initiated. Anyway, now I do not know what to do with you == *.== Shall I wait till you get sanction from your parents or shall I initiate immediately?* In my opinion, because you wanted permission of your parents, you should wait at least for some such time when your parents will permit you. But if you are strongly desirous, then you can disregard your father's desire and make advancement in Kṛṅña consciousness. On hearing from you I will do the needful." ([[letters/1969/690526_upendra|Gopāla Kṛṅña, 26 May, 1969]]) *** 69-05 "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter, sent along with your *japa* beads, and I have duly chanted upon them and initiated you as my disciple. So you should go on with your chanting as you have been doing, and as your name is already Gopāla Kṛṅña, there is no need of changing your name. So now you will be known as Gopāla Kṛṅña dāsa. Try to follow the regulative principles and avoid the ten kinds of offenses. Next you shall be initiated by the offering of the sacred thread, so in the meantime you can convince your parents to give up their objections. But if you are personally determined, there is no question of any objections. ==No one can check another's spiritual advancement on the plea of any material relationship.== There are many instances of someone accepting the spiritual line, despising all family relationships, and the best example is Lord Caitanya Himself. I do not know why your parents are so upset, so you should convince them there is no need for this. And why you should inform them of all the details of your activities? Of course, as honest son you have done the right thing. But if they object and if you have to obey by their orders, I don't know how things can be adjusted. I am enclosing the letter I received from your parents, along with my reply to them, so you may do the needful." ([[letters/1969/690527_sir|Gopāla Kṛṅña dāsa, 27 May, 1969]]) *** 69-06 == *"== The father and mother are also as good as the spiritual master, and we are indebted to father and mother in so many ways.* So as they are dependent on your income, try to help them as far as possible as well as spend something for Kṛṅña also. Rūpa Gosvāmī spent 50% for Kṛṅña, 25% for relatives, 25% for emergency. You can also try to follow this principle as far as possible. Your main business is to keep in Kṛṅña consciousness, and if you keep that point in view, you can deal with the others according to social convention without being attached." ([[letters/1969/690621_gurudasa|Gopāla Kṛṅña, 21 June, 1969]]) *** 69-07 "Your idea of not working for your father is nice, and several times I have stressed that our devotees are becoming twice born. They are *dvija* or twice-born. The first birth is by the natural father and mother, and the second birth is by the spiritual father and Vedic knowledge. The second birth is the real birth; the first is as good as an animal's birth. It is said by a devotee of Lord Caitanya that in every birth we have got a certain type of father and mother, that is not very wonderful, but it is not possible in every birth to get Kṛṅña and a spiritual master. Therefore, the form of life in which Kṛṅña and the spiritual master is obtained is the most sublime. ==So I am very glad to know that you have become more affectionate for your spiritual father than for your natural father== , and this is right to the standard of spiritual advancement." ([[letters/1969/690711_gopala_krsna|Bali Mardan, 11 July, 1969]]) *** 69-10 "Regarding your idea for a jewellery shop, it is nice. You become an expert jeweller and you must open a jewellery shop to earn millions of dollars for spending in Kṛṅña consciousness. Your father is a kind gentleman. I have all good wishes for him, and Kṛṅña will also be very much pleased upon him because he has such a nice devotee son. So your father will also be pleased if you open a jewellery shop. ==It is a good opportunity both ways to keep good relations with your father and to make money and serve Kṛṅña with the money profusely.== Your plan for supplying the temples with nice ornaments for their Deities is also very good. We should decorate our temple Deities with first-class ornaments and nice flowers. In this temple you make a throne situated in a big closet. Just like I kept my Deities in a place where they were locked up at certain times, similarly you do the same. In this way the valuables of the Deities will be protected." ([[letters/1969/691008_dr._sham_sundarji|Kṛṅña dāsa, 8 October, 1969]]) *** 70-02 "Yes. I sometimes think of your mother. She is a nice lady and has good potency for improving in Krsna consciousness. From the child's mentality the mother's mentality is judged and vice-versa == *.== Please keep in touch with your mother and it is your duty also to try to bring her into Kṛṅña consciousness when she is already inclined. I am glad that she is chanting sixteen rounds and observing the rules and regulations. That will surely help her." ([[letters/1970/700203_mandali_bhadra|* SPL to Mañòalī Bhadrā, 3 February, 1970]]) *** 70-05 “You have mentioned about your dilemna between Kṛṅña and your parents, and in this connection I may inform you that parents are available in any kind of birth. Either you take your birth as a human being or an animal, there is a set of parents. ==But Kṛṅña is available in the human form of body; so Kṛṅña is more important than the parents. So do not miss the opportunity of your present human form of body.== Try to understand Kṛṅña and make your life successful." ([[letters/1970/700522_hayagriva|Śrīman Murthy, 22 May, 1970]]) ==71-04 "So far as ’Kṛṅña catering service,’ unless you have got sufficient time to accept such engagements, don’t take it, because everything must be done nicely. Try also and make the parents of our devotees into life members. That will help our movement; so will going on radio and TV shows. So continue such engagements as much as possible."== (SPL to Nayanābhirāma, April 4th, 1971) 71-11 "I am very much encouraged that despite so many difficulties and tricks of māyāthat you are still desiring Kṛṅña so much. Thank you very much. In order to attain the topmost perfection of this human form of life one simply has to try for Kṛṅña with enthusiasm and patience, and all obstacles will be overcome. If you are determined in this way to be his devotee, Kṛṅña will provide some happy solution. But even if He puts us into extreme difficulty, we must always be prepared to consider everything as His special mercy, that He is testing my sincerity, or that this trouble is nothing to what I deserve. Just see Prahlāda Mahārāja. His father tried to kill him many times! At least I don't think your father is trying to kill you. And after Kṛṅña in the form of Lord Nṛsiḥhadeva came and killed Hirañyakaśipu, Prahlāda prayed to Kṛṅña to have mercy on his demon father. ==So we must take the instruction to respect our parents, and to be kind and very tolerant and patient with them, and very soon I promise you everything will be all right.*" (SPL to Patty Dorgan, November 17th, 1971) 71-11 "I am very pleased that you are chanting regularly. This will save you and protect you from all misfortunes. So chant Kṛṅña's name regularly, think about Him all the time, and your love for Him will keep you free from any bondage. Also, you must try somehow to avoid eating any meat, fish or eggs. Be very strong in this respect, and eventually ==your parents will appreciate your determination, especially if you are otherwise always very kind to them."== (SPL to Patty Dorgan, November 17th, 1971) 72-06 "I understand you all of a sudden have gone to Bombay, and without the permission of your parents. So your father called me on phone this morning, I could not attend but I was informed by Śyāmasundara it is something about you. Anyway, take my advice that women, girls, until married, must be under the guidance and protection of the father. That is Vedic civilization. Under the circumstances, I request you both to go back to your father immediately. If there is any disagreement, you can settle up personally, but you cannot disobey your father. The Nairobi Temple is there, you can attend all the *āratis* and *kīrtanas* there and assist if there is Deity worship going on, so there is no difficulty. ==It is not good if there is family disturbance in this way, so best thing is you shall go there at once and live peacefully and think always of Kṛṅña under all circumstances."== ([[letters/1972/720619_misses_sarna_daughters|Sarna daughters, 19 June, 1972]]) *** 72-09 == *"== I am so pleased to hear that you are living nicely with your parents and carrying on with your Kṛṅña consciousness activities. That is a good proposal.* Never mind there maybe some inconvenience. Kṛṅña always appreciates when his devotee makes some sacrifice on His behalf, so there is no real difficulty under any conditions so long as we remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Just like Prahlāda Mahārāja, he never asked Kṛṅña for anything Oh! Kṛṅña please save me from my demon father, no. But because he was always remembering Kṛṅña under all circumstances, Kṛṅña saved him anyway, and when He became finally angry He came Himself and killed the demon father. But even Kṛṅña came Himself, still Prahlāda did not ask Him for any favours, only to please kindly have mercy upon my father. That is pure devotee. Of course we cannot imitate, but we should always try to remember the example of our predecessors and follow their example always." ([[letters/1972/720904_jadurani|*SPL to Patty Dorgan, 4 September, 1972]]) *** 74-11 =="Last night your mother came to the temple and talked with me. Sometimes you can send her some news of your health, but not very much correspondence, after all she is mother. Lord Caitanya used to also please His mother by sending prasāda and men with news."== ([[letters/1974/741125_subala|Mahāḥsa Svāmī, 25 November, 1974]]) *** 75-06 "Please keep yourself saved by chanting sixteen rounds daily and following the regulative principles, and reading books == *.== For the time being, stay with your parents until you are of proper age to be independent. Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmi was also restricted by his parents,* but ultimately he joined Śri Caitanya Mahāprabhu's movement and became one of the Six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana. So, do not be discouraged, rather feel fortunate that at such a young age you are able to practice Kṛṅña consciousness.” ([[letters/1975/750618_durgesh_patel|Durgesh, 18 June, 1975]]) *** 76-11 "One thing has developed now in the Western countries. ==They are feeling the weight of our movement. Therefore, an attempt is being made to suppress or stop the movement in Europe and America. In America the parents of my disciples are combining together. *== * On account of the Hare Kṛṅña movement people in the Western countries are being attracted. There is now counter-propaganda by the enemies. They are now organizing opposition. Will Gītā Pratiṅṃhan help this Hare Kṛṅña movement to face the cultural fighting between East and West? The idea is, that the rapid advancement of the Hare Kṛṅña movement has threatened the foundation of Western civilization. One American politician has remarked in this connection, that the Hare Kṛṅña movement is spreading like an epidemic. If we do not take steps to stop it, it may one day capture the Government. This is a good certification for our success, but the time has come now when we have to meet strong opposition. After all this Hare Kṛṅña movement is Indian culture. If the leaders of Indian culture will take it seriously, then certainly India's glories will be magnified. In the foreign countries India is much advertised as a poverty-stricken country. But, if India can give her spiritual culture, Kṛṅña consciousness, she will be glorified everywhere. This should be the aim of Gītā Pratiṅṃhan." ([[letters/1976/761101_ramakrishna_bajaj|Ramakrishna Bajaj, 1 November, 1976]]) *** 76-11 "I think this matter is serious. Previously I sent one newsletter asking that this boy be returned to his father or at least that his father be notified of his whereabouts. My directions were not followed and now this is becoming a very burdensome situation unnecessarily. Why should we sacrifice the reputation of our movement for one boy? If Kṛṅña wants, how can his father force the boy not to become Kṛṅña's devotee? We should do everything legally. Just show in the court that the boy wants to remain with his mother and that the mother wants to keep the boy very nicely. You can say that his father may force the boy to eat meat, etc. and in this way convince them not to take the boy away from his mother. I understand that due to this incident we are now voted out of our Evanston temple by the city council, and that in San Diego we have been stopped for purchasing one building. Now, this Mr. Yanoff is creating a very bad impression of our movement. What is our gain? ==These things should be done legally not whimsically. If the father is victorious in the courts then what can we do? Our business is not to kidnap. People must come voluntarily.== It is always voluntary. Kṛṅña is offering the chance to go back home, back to Godhead, but He leaves the choice up to the living entity. The example of Prahlāda Mahārāja is there. Despite all efforts on the part of his atheistic father to change him, he remained a staunch devotee of the Lord. It is undoubtedly unfortunate circumstances, but why should we jeopardize the reputation of our movement? You have been handling the affair. Please now rectify the situation. Do everything legally. Do not cause unnecessary troublesome situations. Our main business is to distribute my books and people will come gradually. Everything should be done for that purpose. People will criticize and oppose us, there is no doubt, so why should we create more trouble unnecessarily?" ([[letters/1976/761107_ramesvara|Rāmeśvara, 7 November, 1976]]) ==77-01 "The parents' meeting in Detroit was very nice. It is a very good idea to organize a "Parents for Kṛṅña’ club. Try to do that."== ([[letters/1977/770101_satsvarupa|Satsvarūpa Mahārāja, 1 January, 1977]]) *** 77-01 "Yes, our Society is depending on love and respect; we are bound by love. You have thought exactly like an affectionate mother. Every mother should think like you for the benefit of her son. Our endeavor is to save human society from the danger of animalism. In our scripture it is said that one should not become a father or a mother unless one is able to give protection to one's children from the imminent danger of death. People do not know, especially in the Western countries, that anyone, if he likes, can be saved from the cycle of birth and death. It is said in the *Bhagavad-gītā* as follows: 'One who knows the transcendental nature of My (Kṛṅña's, God's) appearance and activities, does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna. == *'== So you have given this chance to your beloved son to be saved from the* ==repetition of birth and death, and your good example must be followed by all mothers in America.== Thank you very much for your kind appreciation. Your son is doing very well here in India. I am very much pleased upon him." ([[letters/1977/770119_brisakapi|Mrs. Perlmutter, 19 January, 1977]]) *** 77-04 "I beg to thank you for the nice ’Parents for Kṛṅña’ newsletter dated March, 1977. It is very nicely done. ==This newsletter should be sent to all the parents of our devotees.== Just recently the mother of one of our senior devotees, Mrs. L. H. Giblin, whose son is Jayapatākā Svāmī, Director of our Māyāpur Project, visited Māyāpur West Bengal, as well as our other Indian centers. She was very much impressed with the deep philosophy and roots which our movement has within the culture of India. You can communicate with her at the following address: Mrs. L. H. Giblin, 6171 No. Sheridan Road, Chicago. I am sure she would be very pleased to be an active assistant. If the parents of our devotees study the philosophy of Kṛṅña consciousness there is no doubt they will benefit equally as their children are now doing." ([[letters/1977/770403_s.b._chavan|Mrs. Rose Forkash, 3 April, 1977]]) ## Radio, Television and Advertising 67-02 "Secondly, I recommend that you return to New York for the showing of the CBS program. I recall Mr. Gerard stressing on me the importance of your presence in New York for the two or three weeks following the program. This is because so many people will be visiting the temple and wishing to see you. Even if you should desire to return to San Francisco after two or three weeks, the $300.00 involved in flying is nothing compared to the millions in publicity value we are getting on the TV. I know New York would be more willing to spend the money if need be." ([[letters/1967/670224_brahmananda|Brahmānanda, 24 February, 1967]]) *** 68-02 "I have seen the *Life* magazine article; the pictures have come very sublime and imperceptibly they have admitted our super-excellence of chanting Hare Kṛṅña. You have marked it that they have said, The chanting of Hare Kṛṅña continues to vibrate the brain for several days.' We want to inject this transcendental poison into the heart of the māyā-serpent-bitten people in general. Kṛṅña consciousness by the sound of Hare Kṛṅña, if it continues for a moment in the brain of the rascals, then certainly it will act in the future to help them to become Kṛṅña conscious. In the *Bhagavad-gītā* it is said: *svalpam apy asya dharmasya, trāyate maha-to bhayāt (Bg. 2.40). * Bhayāt * means fearfulness. Even a slight injection of this transcendental vibration can save one from the greatest danger. In future, of course, we shall not be a very cheap plaything in the hands of the so-called publicity leaders in the kingdom of * māyā *. We simply give them a little chance to serve Kṛṅña, but we cannot accept their leadership. In future, therefore, ==we shall agree to such publicity if they publish about ourselves exclusively. I think the television proposal, as written by you, may be utilized in that way.* " ([[letters/1968/680208_brahmananda|*SPL to Brahmānanda, 8 February, 1968]]) *** 68-04 "The engagements sound very nice, and especially it is good if they pay us. We are not cheap, we are distributing a bona fide process, and for travelling a far distance, they should especially pay us something. ==For television we should have at least one hour appearance; this fifteen or twenty minutes, and with nonsense questions by the interviewer, is not very good.== We should be given time for *kīrtana* and for lecture. That will be best. And if you can secure some payment from each place we visit, that will be very nice." ([[letters/1968/680406_brahmananda|Brahmananda, 6 April, 1968]]) *** 69-07 == *"== I am also glad to learn that you are going to press some records of the Hare Kṛṅña mantra with the help of the Beatles and Co., cooperated with some of the celebrated artists like Donovan and the Rolling Stones.* It is a very good opportunity that you are making friendship with these famous men, and if you can turn them as they are already a little inclined towards Kṛṅña consciousness, then our *saṭkīrtana* movement through all these famous artists and gentlemen will take a shape which will be appreciated all over the world." ([[letters/1969/690715_jadurani|*SPL to Śyāmasundara, 15 July, 1969]]) ==69-02 "I am very encouraged to learn that you have your own radio show for one hour every Sunday morning. Here in Los Angeles I have so many tapes of my singing prayers, chanting new tunes of Hare Kṛṅña, playing mṛdaṭga, and purports to prayers. So if you think that some of these tapes will be nice for your program, I will have copies made of some of them and have them sent to you."== ([[letters/1969/690802_gaurasundara|Gaurasundara, 2 August, 1969]]) ==69-09 *"== We have already passed through two important programs here: one big meeting at the Town Hall, attended by Indians and Englishmen, which was very successful, and one nice meeting when the BBC men invited us for television* on Tuesday night. They came also to the temple last night, and it was very nice. We are expecting many engagements from different persons, and it appears that people are interested in the Kṛṅña consciousness movement. So I shall be glad to know how your center is making progress." ([[letters/1969/690917_krsna_dasa|Kṛṅña dāsa, 17 September, 1969]]) ==69-10 *"== It is Kṛṅña's Grace that the walls for the advertisements may be properly utilized so the passengers in the trains can see it. You write if possible the following request: 'We request you to chant Hare Kṛṅña Hare Kṛṅña, Kṛṅña Kṛṅña Hare Hare, Hare Rāma Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma Hare Hare, and your life will be sublime.'* The mantra may be written in big letters, and the other words in smaller letters. Another slogan may be 'Join the Kṛṅña consciousness movement. It is peaceful and it will bring peace and prosperity to everyone.'" (SPL to Kṛṅña dāsa, October 8th, 1969) ==69-12 "So far as your plan for making Hare Kṛṅña day-glow signs, that is very nice."== (SPL to Jaya Govinda, December 8th, 1969) 70-12 "Yes, I am so glad to learn that you are distributing our books in colleges and schools so nicely. Actually this Kṛṅña consciousness movement is a novel proposition to the world. The world is suffering on account of atheistic conviction of life, so our theistic proposition presenting Kṛṅña, the Supreme Lord, is certainly a great relief to the agnostics, atheists, impersonalists and voidists. In all our books we have very scientifically covered all such demons and if these books are introduced in the schools and colleges, so many beautiful souls will be saved. You are doing a great service to humanity to introduce our books to the people in general. ==So far as preaching through television the mantras of Iśopaniṅad is concerned, that will be a great success to do so.*" (SPL to Nayanābhirāma, December 1st, 1970) ==70-12 "It is also good news that your recent marriage celebration in Kṛṅña consciousness was filmed for display by a large television station. People will very soon come to appreciate the Kṛṅña conscious way of life as distinct from the dull repetition of materialistic activities. I have noted the news article sent by you and it appears very nice."== ([[letters/1970/701229_jagadisa|Jagadīśa, 29 December, 1970]]) ==71-01 *"== That you are receiving so much coverage on television is very encouraging, especially that in Cleveland your response was so good that they set up another interview.* When there is repetition like that, it shows great appreciation. So far as using television coverage to present our life-membership program to the public, that is first-class idea. Instead of approaching the people directly, they can then approach us. So continue in this way and Kṛṅña will give you all facility. Also I am glad to hear how the parents of one of our devotees is taking to Krsna consciousness. Why not ask them to become our life member?" ([[letters/1971/710121_sri_govinda|Bhagavān dāsa, 21 January, 1971]]) ==71-04 *== "I am glad to hear how you are getting such good television coverage. However we get the opportunity, we should publicize as much as possible." (SPL to Bhagavān dāsa, April 11th, 1971) ==71-12 "I am encouraged to hear from you that our Delhi pāñòal festival was seen on T.V. in America and other places. We can become famous for such shows,== and at the same time utilize them for giving people good information about what is the real goal of life and how to achieve it. So in combination with the others you go on thinking how to improve these Kṛṅña conscious plays and dramas and how to give the public more and more of Kṛṅña consciousness. That is real preaching work." (SPL to Nayanābhirāma, December 22nd, 1971) ==71-12 *== "I am very encouraged by the reports of the tremendous success of your TV and radio programs. As much as possible try to increase our preaching programs by using all the mass media which are available. We are modern-day Vaiṅñavas and we must preach vigorously using all the means available." (SPL to Rūpānuga, December 30th, 1971) ==72-01 "Your idea for utilizing video tape recording systems to broadcast our activities is very nice. It will be very good if you can convince the television stations to carry our program on a regular basis and this equipment, if it can be used for this purpose, will be very useful. So discuss this matter with the GBC how it can be practically implemented."== (SPL to Rañadhīra, January 5th, 1972) ==72-01 ”Your idea for video tape recording of Kṛṅña consciousness activities is very nice, and if you are able to arrange for the equipment then it is a very good proposal."== ([[letters/1972/720117_jayapataka_bhavananda|Rañadhīra, 17 January, 1972]]) *** 72-02 "...I am so much pleased by this Kṛṅña Show!' If you are able to arrange everything so that I can simply sit in my room and be seen by the world and speak to the world, then I shall never leave Los Angeles. That will be the perfection of your LA. temple. I am very, very encouraged by your proposal to flood the medias of your country with our Kṛṅña consciousness program, and see that it is practically taking shape under your hands, so I am all the more pleased. Especially it is nice that because they hear our Kṛṅña Show the people are ordering *Kṛṅña* book. == *== This is a very good way to induce the public for accepting our philosophy, because they are prone to believe and accept whatever they hear on the radios and televisions.* Now go on in this way increasing more and more, and always stick tight to the point of our philosophy. We should not compromise in any way just to accommodate the public idea, but we can so tastefully present the real thing that we will change the people to accommodate us. Thank you very much for assisting Lord Caitanya so nicely in spreading this *saṭkīrtana* movement. When I shall come there very soon I will see how things are going on." ([[letters/1972/720216_chaya|Siddeśvara and Kṛṅñakānti, 16 February, 1972]]) *** 72-03 "I am so much thankful to you for your letter dated nil, and for the telegram wherein you have requested that I shall return to Los Angeles immediately if possible, and all blessings to you for Lord Kṛṅña that you are endeavoring to propagate the message of Kṛṅña consciousness so widely and diligently. This television program is very much encouraging to me, and I wish to take part in it immediately. I wanted to cancel all other engagements and go direct to Los Angeles, but if I go in that way, my promised visit to Sydney and to Japan especially will be frustrated. So take little patience at least for one month, I'm sure that by end April I shall reach Los Angeles. One thing more, if we are successful in this program then my dreamt mission of life to spread Kṛṅña consciousness all over the world will be fulfilled. ==I wish to speak on the great philosophy of Bhāgavata-dharma at least once in a week on television, so if arrangement is made by you for this, then you will be doing the highest service for Kṛṅña.== Thanking you once more for your endeavor." ([[letters/1972/720322_karandhara|Karandhara, 22 March, 1972]]) ==72-04 "Your endeavor to spread Kṛṅña consciousness by means of radio and television is very encouraging to me, and I am looking forward to participating in this program when I return to Los Angeles soon."== (SPL to Kṛṅñakānti, April 23rd, 1972) ==73-02 *"== Your program for working with the TV personalities seems to be very nice. Even though the results are not coming so quickly, please do not be discouraged. But one thing, you should try and get these TV personalities to show our books and advertise them over the air. This will be the real success of our endeavors with the media.* I have always stressed that we must become recognized not only by the mass but also by the class. This class section of the society should be encouraged to write letters of appreciation of my books and of our activities. Just recently Rūpānuga dāsa Gosvāmī has had one very successful meeting with Kenneth Keating, the American Ambassador to India and he has agreed to be our chief guest when we open our center in downtown Manhattan. I have said before, hearing is the first step in God realization; therefore if we can simply convince these big men to hear, then gradually they will come to the point of accepting us." ([[letters/1973/730221_mukunda|Mukunda, 21 February, 1973]]) ==73-03 "I am very glad to hear that the film Hare Rāma' was defeated there, it is Kṛṅña's grace. This man is a very bad man for our movement's sake, that movie is a great insult to us. I think there was bribe by the government who does not want this movement. Anyway, the dogs may bark but the caravan passes."== ([[letters/1973/730306_cyavana|Cyavana, 6 March, 1973]]) ==73-03 "Radio and TV programs are all right if we can introduce our literature, like Bhagavad-gītā, etc., otherwise there is so much nonsense on the media that they will forget quickly what they see and hear."== ([[letters/1973/730323_satyabhama|Sudāmā, 23 March, 1973]]) *** 74-12 “Increase the Ratha-yātrā festival in Chicago. Make it twice as big, that will be very nice. This festival must be introduced wherever possible. It is so nice. In connection with your using your efforts to make television shows, no, that is not important now. Don't waste time in this way. Better to have nice festivals like Ratha-yātrā festivals. ==If they see us on television show then the next moment they will forget. But if they come to a festival and participate that is eternal benefit.*"== ([[letters/1974/741228_jagadisa|Jagadīśa, 28 December, 1974]]) *** 75-02 To all Temple Presidents "My dear President, Please accept my blessings. Recently in Germany, the Government police and church have started heavy persecution against our movement by arrests, investigation, and blocking our monies in the bank. ==By unfair and slanderous newspaper and television propaganda, they have ruined our reputation and turned the general public against our movement. We cannot sit down and be idle.== Even killing of our devotees has been attempted in Berlin by shooting. Haḥsadūta Prabhu has formulated a plan for protesting at all German Embassies all over the world. This plan has my sanction. He will be contacting you in this connection. Please cooperate with him fully." ([[letters/1975/750206_brahmananda|all Temple Presidents, 6 February, 1975]]) *** 76-01 "Yes, it is the mercy of Kṛṅña that we have got such an important building in Toronto. It is topmost triumph. If you can fix up a neon sign always moving with the mahā-mantra; Hare Kṛṅña Hare Kṛṅña Kṛṅña Kṛṅña Hare Hare Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare, that will be a great achievement *. == == * == The sign can be on from evening to midnight, that will be the proper utilization of such an ideal building and location. *" ([[letters/1976/760110_visvakarma|== * *SPL to Viśvakarma, 10 January, 1976]]) ==76-04 *"== So far the sign is concerned, why should we make such an expenditure of so many thousands of dollars for a sign—what benefit shall we derive?* Whether it will be beneficial or not? Everyone knows that it is Hare Kṛṅña Center so why should you spend some thousands of dollars? One thing, however, I can suggest, if we display there a new picture or painting of our Hare Kṛṅña movement regularly, very nicely painted. Also, you can have a book display, with pictures and paintings also. That will be good advertisement." ([[letters/1976/760423_sons_and_daughters|Rāmeśvara dāsa Mahārāja and Rañadhīra dāsa, 23 April, 1976]]) ## Press Propaganda 67-09 "I am in due receipt of your interesting letter and also the copy of the letter you have sent to the newspapermen. Yes, you must now be careful so that people may not misunderstand us to be a second edition of the hippy movement. What is done in the past is already done. Now we should work solidly to the attention of important men, and try to make them understand that this movement is the most scientific authorized agitation to invoke man's dormant Kṛṅña consciousness. I completely support your idea about the preaching method. We are not lacking in philosophy—by the grace of Kṛṅña we have got ample stock to answer anybody's questions. There is no necessity of stopping questioners by dogmatic statements as it was done in the beginning. I have every hope in you because you are educated and have understood the philosophy completely ==. You should try to get another newspaper article out explaining the real scientific position of our movement== ([[letters/1967/670930_janardana|Janārdana, 30 September, 1967]]) ==67-12 *"== I was glad to hear from Gargamuni that you refused to set me in the New York Times columns along with the other so-called svāmīs or yogis. We have a distinct position that we are neither cheated nor cheaters.* We are the genuine representatives of Kṛṅña who is the friend of all living creatures. We must play our part independently only on faith in Kṛṅña and His bona fide representatives." ([[letters/1967/671221_brahmananda|Brahmānanda, 21 December, 1967]]) *** 68-02 "I shall request you in this connection to secure a copy of *Illustrated Weekly of Times of India* , published on January 21st, 1968, and see on page 38 how our movement is going on. ==Many papers in this country also, especially Life Magazine, Times of India, San Francisco Chronicle and many other minor papers have printed articles about our movement. Many mayors of great cities, police officials, have also appreciated our movement.== The later Ambassador of India, now Governor of Assam, Śrī B.K. Nehru has also a great appreciation for these activities." ([[letters/1968/680201_harekrishna_aggarwal|Hare Krishnaji, 1 February, 1968]]) *** 68-02 "My advice to you is that continue your good attitude that you are keeping now and this alone will help you in advancing in your cause of Kṛṅña consciousness. Yes, it will be great advantage if you can chant so much as one *lakh* of names daily, and also read scriptures. This is good opportunity for you to learn to sing all the verses in the *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* as you began to do so nicely in San Francisco. That will be very nice. *Nāmā-ācārya* Haridāsa Ṃhākura was taken to the jail and he told the prisoners there, 'Oh! You are so fortunate to have this opportunity to sit and chant the holy names without the *māyā* distractions of the outer world!' So you should think like that, and use your time in the prison house to the greatest advantage for spiritual advancement. Please note that the other side of this page was appearing in the very popular magazine *New Yorker* , and ==even they are chanting Hare Kṛṅña in mockery, still it doesn’t matter. Just so long they are chanting Hare Kṛṅña, that is the success of our mission. *== * The Kazi's men were breaking up the *kīrtana* parties of the Lord and in mockery some of them chanted Hare Kṛṅña, and thereafter, their tongues would not stop singing Hare Kṛṅña. Our tongues should be like that, unable to ever stop singing the glories of the Lord. We practice, and some day it will be like that." ([[letters/1968/680205_upendra|Upendra, 5 February, 1968]]) ==68-02 "All press cuttings and important publications from our Society, especially Back to Godhead should all be regularly sent to the following address. He will utilize them for supporting our Indian center. Please do the needful in this connection."== ([[letters/1968/680219_balai|Balāi, 19 February, 1968]]) *** 68-11 "Regarding the challenge in the *International Times* , I am sorry to read the letter of a rascal advertising himself as Swami Gitananda, but from his letter it appears that he is neither a *svāmi* nor has ever read *Bhagavad-gītā* . He is so rascal that he describes the River Yamunā as metaphysical in lower consciousness, although the River Yamunā is flowing so happily all over the Northern India. He is claiming yogi, but he does not know that the greatest yogi is the devotee of Lord Kṛṅña. ==So we can reply him in so many ways to teach this rascal a good lesson, but the more we continue such correspondence, we give unnecessarily some publicity to a rascal. Mukunda has already protested such rascal== and we have to go on with our own work positively. Fault-finding men will always be there, that is the history of the world, but one has to execute his prescribed duties." (SPL to Yamunā, Mukunda and Śyāmasundara, 8th November, 1968) ==69-02 *"== You will be glad to know that in London they are doing very nicely and a report was published in some San Francisco paper with the heading, Kṛṅña CHANT STARTLES LONDON.* So you shall also try to startle Germany with the Kṛṅña chant. That should be our main program, and publishing of *Back to Godhead* is a bigger chanting process. With *mṛdaṭga* you can chant within the boundary of your temple, but by publishing *Back to Godhead* you can chant throughout the German speaking land. So both *mṛdaṭga* and *Back to Godhead* is our life and soul." ([[letters/1969/690213_sivananda|Kṛṅña dāsa, 13 February, 1969]]) *** 69-05 "I thank you very much for sending me the poster with pictures of Mr. Ginsburg and myself. It is very nicely done. From now on I shall lead the *kīrtana* . I shall first of all chant and our devotees should respond as usual. And Mr. Ginsburg will also be amongst our devotees and the public will be requested to follow this response. In this way there shall be *kīrtana* performance for at least half-an-hour. For our men ==I want four mṛdaṭgas and twelve karatālas or cymbals. If Kīrtanānanda can play the harmonium melodiously along with the chanting it will be nice. If somebody can play the tambora, that will be still more nice. But they should be rhythmically played.== So I do not know how many devotees are there or how many *mṛdaṭgas* are there, but we will require four *mṛdaṭgas* . If this is deficient now in men or *mṛdaṭgas* then you should arrange for that by calling New York men and Buffalo men. Recently I have made one record in Los Angeles, so in trying to train our men in that rhythm is not difficult. Just arrange for sixteen men, four *mṛdaṭgas* , harmonium, tambora and the rest playing *karatālas* . If we can perform *kīrtana* following the recently made recording, it will be marvellous. The summary is that you should make the above preparations for when the advertised meeting is held." ([[letters/1969/690503_hayagriva_pradyumna|Hayagrīva and Pradyumna, 3 May, 1969]]) *** 69-07 "I am also glad to know that Ratha-yātrā arrangements are going nicely, and so also in your country, especially in San Francisco, Boston, Buffalo, as well as New York. There also they are arranging nicety. Most probably in Boston it will be as good as in San Francisco. In San Francisco they are making good advertisement, and they are expecting a very good crowd. I am going there on the 26th of July. I hope you will send me the pictures of your world famous parade in London. Send all detailed pictures to Brahmānanda for publication in *Back to Godhead.* ==If possible, invite some Indian press representatives to report to the Indian papers how the Vedic culture is being accepted by Americans and Europeans.*" ([[letters/1969/690715_jadurani|Śyāmasundara, 15 July, 1969]]) ==69-09 "I can understand that Kṛṅña is giving you encouragement to increase the strength of Detroit center because you write to say that there is a big article to be printed in the largest Detroit paper and you have already arranged for two university courses. This is very encouraging news, and please forward a copy of the article to me when it is printed."== ([[letters/1969/690907_madhudvisa|Jagadīśa, 7 September, 1969]]) *** 70-02 "I have seen the list of Hare Kṛṅña *mantra* record distribution and I am surprised to see that Germany alone has taken 57,000 records. Therefore, we should open more branches in Germany immediately. So Kṛṅña dāsa has also written me about this prospect and I have asked Haḥsadūta to go to Germany via London immediately for this purpose and I have written to Tamāla about this *. == == * == For you this engagement of press propaganda, I think, is the best occupation, assisted by Guru-dāsa.*" ([[letters/1970/700210_syamasundara|Śyāmasundara, 10 February, 1970]]) ==70-03 "Your article published in the college newspaper is very nice regarding the eclipse. If we stick to our principle, certainly very soon we shall be recognized as a bona fide institution and who can give better information than us in the matter of spiritual understanding?"== ([[letters/1970/700313_sudama|Satsvarūpa, 13 March, 1970]]) ==70-04 "The newspaper portion is very encouraging. They have devoted so much space for describing ourselves. Although there are a few misquotations, never mind, it is a good publicity." ([[letters/1970/700402_vamanadeva|Vāmanadeva, 2 April, 1970]]) *** 70-04 "Yesterday I received one newspaper, the *Daily California* , in which the whole correspondence between Dr. Staal and me is published, and it is very interesting. So if we can get one small booklet printed under the caption *Kṛṅña Consciousness Movement Is Genuine Vedic Way* : a cogent discussion between A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Ācārya, International Society for Kṛṅña consciousness and Dr. J. F. Staal, Professor of Philosophy and South Asian Languages, University of California, Berkeley, == *'== this pamphlet will help us in our propaganda to convince people that we have not manufactured something new in the name of Kṛṅña consciousness. Anyone who will read this exchange of correspondences will be convinced that we hold authority.* Still in your country people are under the impression that this movement is another edition of the hippy movement. I think publication of this pamphlet and distributing them very liberally, especially amongst educated circles, businessmen, and foundation authorities, will do a great deal of help. You can consider and let me know of your decision. I am enclosing one copy of the newspaper printing for your reference herewith." ([[letters/1970/700414_tamala_krsna|Brahmānanda, 14 April, 1970]]) *** 71-01 "That your 'TV sermonette' was so successful is also very good news. This also goes to show how much people will be attracted to our books such as *Kṛṅña* book if they are properly displayed, and so propaganda should be made in this way ==*.== The mass media can become such an important instrument in spreading our Kṛṅña consciousness movement and I am glad to see that you are endeavoring to explore how this can be done." (SPL to Nayanābhirāma, January 9th, 1971) ==71-02 "It is very good that Candrāvalī is in charge of informing the public of our activities. This is very important work. It is our main consideration in the development of our centers that the people should be attracted to this Kṛṅña consciousness movement one way or another."== (SPL to Citsukhānanda, February 21st, 1971) 72-04 "So far your interview in *Times of India* , he has caught you on one or two points unable to answer. ==We should always be patient to answer such newsmen's questions; they are very easy to answer, and so many people will see.== For example, for the question about poverty, you should have said that some persons are destined to suffer poverty by their *karma* . It is said that good parents are no guarantee for good children, medicine is no guarantee for health, a ship is no guarantee for a drowning man—all of these counter-remedies are useless if a man is not protected by Kṛṅña. Therefore, in your country, even they have very rich parents, the children are turning out to be poverty-stricken hippies, so here or there, it doesn't matter, poverty must exist by the laws of nature because people have forgotten Kṛṅña, therefore they must suffer alternate poverty and so-called opulence just like being pushed under the water for some time and then relieved by coming up, then again pushed down, and they are thinking this is life." ([[letters/1972/720402_revatinandana|Tamāla Kṛṅña & Jayapatākā, 2 April, 1972]]) *** 72-07 " ==So far my writings, avoid publishing them in hodgepodge journals.== These so-called Hindus are generally impersonalists, and we do not want to have anything to do with them. Better we stick to our own standard, and eventually they will all come to us for learning what is God. You can try the daily newspapers. If *Times of India* , *Navbharat* , if some of these daily papers agree, I can send regularly one *śloka* from *Bhagavad-gītā* , whatever is in the book, plus further elaboration." ([[letters/1972/720722_acyutananda|Girirāja, 22 July, 1972]]) *** 72-09 == *"== I have read all the newspaper cuttings and handbills very attentively, and I very much appreciate the counter presented by us against the vilification by the enemies.* Śriman Subala dāsa's reply in the paper with reference to the context of *śāstra* are excellently gorgeous. He has given references from *Bhagavad-gītā* , *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* , *Nectar of Devotion* and *Teachings of Lord Caitanya* , and it is very nice." ([[letters/1972/720907_tamala_krsna|Tamāla Kṛṅña, 7 September, 1972]]) *** 74-12 "I am in due receipt of your letter undated together with clippings and photos, and thank you very much. I think ==the article about the book distribution at the airport is indirectly an advertisement. People will come to know about our books and our movement. *== * Here in Bombay they also have the complaint that we are a nuisance. What can be done? The writer of the article calls us Hare Kṛṅñas. He calls us this over and over again. He does not know that by doing this he is chanting the holy name and will be benefitted. Just like during Lord Caitanya's time, the Mohammedans used to joke how the devotees were chanting Hare Kṛṅña. One of the officers said to his subordinate that it was all right that they were chanting, but why was he chanting. And the man had to admit that, yes he was also chanting, and that he did not know why he was doing it. So by writing this article, this man is chanting." ([[letters/1974/741206_sri_govinda|Śri Govinda dāsa, 6 December, 1974]]) ==75-10 *"== We are interested in advertising in the important daily Indian newspapers. If you can kindly send me the respective contract rates of advertising,* at the same time our Society being a charitable religious concern to propagate God-consciousness all over the world, if there is any special concession for us. On hearing from you we may begin full-page advertising in your daily newspaper." (SPL to Amrita Patrika Newspaper, Calcutta, Attn: Advertising Dept; Hindu Newspaper, Madras, India; The Statesman, Calcutta, India; The Times of India, New Delhi, India, 25th October, 1975) 76-05 "Concerning the incident where the two boys were killed in what appeared to be a bomb blast, it is unfortunate that the newspapers have made it appear that these boys are Hare Kṛṅña devotees. Of course, anyone can chant Hare Kṛṅña, just like we go on the streets chanting, and others will imitate us. However, in our aims you will not find that our organization is dedicated to such methods or goals. Our aim is to awaken people throughout the world to Kṛṅña consciousness, God consciousness, by chanting the holy names of God == *.== We have published so many books to explain our viewpoint, and why we should sit idly by and allow the press to unfairly take advantage of such a situation to misrepresent the Hare Kṛṅña movement.* In any case, the movement cannot be judged simply by the activities of some individuals, but these men were not in our camp and still the press took unfair notice of all the facts. We should demand at least equal time from the press to explain the entire situation clearly, and when necessary we should file suit against such newspapers in order that things are not distorted. It is not in our aims anywhere to build bombs for any purpose. The same mentality is involved in trying to blow up a slaughterhouse as is there in meat-eating. Such things will not stop people from unnecessary animal slaughter. It is only by educating people in the science of Kṛṅña consciousness that they will automatically develop all good qualities: *yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiṭcanā, sarvair guñais tatra samāsate surāù* . And the non-devotee will not have any good qualities even they may be vegetarians. Harāv abhaktasya kuto mahad-guñā, manorathenāsati dhāvato bahiù. So we should clearly establish our aims in such situations and not sit by idly. We must preach very boldly whenever the situation is favorable." ([[letters/1976/760526_yasomatinandana|Yaśomatīnandana dāsa, 26 May, 1976]]) *** 76-05 "Our religion is not a part-time transcendental recreation. We live in God. ==Of course, ’Hare Kṛṅña’ is there on all these newspaper reports, that I want, that somehow or other hundreds and thousands of men will chant Hare Kṛṅña.== They have made all plans to avoid God, and our plan is that they accept God. The struggle will become acute, because formerly they thought we were simply hippies, but now they see our books, that we are here to stay. The professors are writing books, like *Hare Kṛṅña and the Counter Culture* . So now they are beginning to realize that Hare Kṛṅña is here to stay. So, now the people are becoming envious that in such a short time we are so well known. Do not be discouraged by these fools and rascals, and simply push on sincerely and Kṛṅña will save you." ([[letters/1976/760529_haihaya|Balavanta dāsa, 29 May, 1976]]) *** 76-06 "That Mrs. Kochar, ==she should be brought into court, immediately. The Hare Kṛṅña cult is bona fide, why she should say otherwise? She must withdraw this statement publicly. It is Vedic culture. We have so many letters from professors, parents, other svāmīs== , and even in the *Encyclopedia Brittanica* . All the Gauòīya Maths and Vaiṅñava Gosvāmīs should join us in fighting this. This must be done very seriously. She should be removed from her post and a responsible person should be there. Therefore, I have wanted to have this Bajaj meeting. In India we have so many things to do. I am sending some copies of some letters to you which you will find enclosed*." ([[letters/1976/760624_aksayananda|Gopāla Kṛṅña, 24 June, 1976]]) ==76-09 "Yes, whenever strong and probable false statements are made against ISKCON are made, we can take defamation case against them."== ([[letters/1976/760928_gopiparanadhana|Jayapātāka, 28 September, 1976]]) *** 76-11 =="Yes, we should take advantage of this opportunity to preach. I see it that somehow or other they are chanting Kṛṅña. Either they criticize or chant. The article you have sent from the college newspaper can help our counter-propaganda." ([[letters/1976/761108_gaura_govinda|Rūpānuga, 8 November, 1976]]) *** 76-11 "I have studied all the letters and clippings in our support. It is very good. This is very important. By Kṛṅña's grace, due to this apparent set-back, now this movement will become more prominent. Sometimes these tactics are also employed in military encounters. Temporarily retreating, then coming forward with stronger force than before. You may consult with Tamāla Kṛṅña and Rāmeśvara and whatever expenditure is required for emergency legal costs may be loaned from the BBT. We must spend for this purpose." (SPL to Ādi Keśava, November 24th, 1976) 76-11 Today I have received the December issue of *Back to Godhead* . The interview with the London reporter is very important. This should be presented in the courts. It is 95% of the evidence we require to prove the Kṛṅña consciousness is genuine. This is not a sentimental faith or religion, it is a great science. Everyone is changing bodies. Regardless of his so-called faith, the Christians as well as the Hindus are changing bodies. This is science. There is a Bengali story. A deaf man used to call his wife. She would reply, ’I'm coming!' But, he couldn't hear her. He would think, 'The woman's deaf.' Actually he was deaf but he accused her of being deaf. Similarly ==these people are brain-washed and they are accusing us of being brain-washed. This we have to prove. We have the real science. This should be preached and proven in the courts.== Use this article as evidence and with a good lawyer prove that Kṛṅña consciousness is the real science and that all others are brain-washed." ([[letters/1976/761124_ramesvara|Rāmeśvara, 24 November, 1976]]) *** 76-12 " *Mare kṛṅña rakhe ke, rakhe kṛṅña mare ke.* If Kṛṅña protects, who can kill? And, if Kṛṅña kills, who can protect? So, if we are sincere servants, then Kṛṅña will give us protection. Who can kill us? This Bombay land, such a huge attempt was made to kill us. Now we are the owner of this huge property. We were going to be driven out, now we are the richest men. In Bombay nobody has got such property. The society of friends in support of the Hare Kṛṅña movement is a very good proposal. So, induce them to do that. That will be great success. If such persons organize a movement that the Hare Kṛṅña movement is genuine, it will be a very, very good success. Try to do it. All the scholars who have given certification will join. That will be great success if that corporation is formed. So our scholars, students like Svarūpa Dāmodara and others can join with them to form this corporation. This should be organized. This is a very good proposal Somehow or other try for that. That you are gathering good support from the Indian community is nice. This Candra Swami has said that In America there is no one turning Christians into Hindus except for the Hare Kṛṅña movement.' That means his support is genuine, he's appreciating. Yes, it is dangerous to associate with such men, you should always remember that. But to take our interest, if the help is coming from such persons, we should not lose it also. But you must be very careful. If it is by his arrangement that we shall be able to see Carter, then we shall take advantage. If we can explain our philosophy that will be nice. That Kṛṅña is on our side is our only hope. Still we shall endeavor to do the needful. ==We want that Kṛṅña's name will become the most prominent in the Western world, directly or indirectly. Either they praise Kṛṅña or they criticise, they are being purified.== This is very curious. They are helping to sell our books. They are curious: "What is this nonsense?’ That's nice that Kṛṅña is now appearing on the front page of the *New York Times* . Yes, be assured Kṛṅña will bless you to be strong against these demons." (SPL to Ādi Keśava, December 26th, 1976) ## Food Relief 67-08 == *"== The feeling which you have had by becoming compassionate to the fallen bums is very good,* but the best way to deliver a bum is to revive his dormant Kṛṅña consciousness. If you can do that then give the bums good food and shelter. If you cannot do that, then simply supplying food and shelter, is serving them *māyā* . But there is no benefit to serving *māyā* , you know, as it is all false, temporary or illusion. We are concerned with reality, not *māyā,* and that should be the object of life." ([[letters/1967/670827_jananivasa|SPL Mrinaline, 27 August, 1967]]) *** 72-05 "I am glad to see that you are trying for some cars for India. We need immediately some cars and vans. I was just talking with Gaurasundara how this can be done. I think Scindia has got ships to Detroit, so if you can find this out I can arrange for some shipping to India. ==You can contact Tamāla Kṛṅña== in Māyāpur for getting photos and information from him about our food-distribution program there and how we are feeding the needy persons in that area daily not less than 2000 persons *.==* The USA government is giving us free foodstuffs and grains for distribution, so why such big motor-car companies should not also help if your government is agreeable? Even they cannot donate, we can purchase at cost price or for some token price, but immediately I want that some cars and vans be sent to India, there is so much need for them there." ([[letters/1972/720512_bhagavan|Bhagavān dāsa, 12 May, 1972]]) *** 72-08 =="I have informed Bhavānanda and Tamāla Kṛṅña Gosvāmī that they must try to increase the distribution of prasādam program in Māyāpur, otherwise, as you have told me, the authorities of your country may revoke their foodstuff donation."== ([[letters/1972/720801_batu_gopala|Gurudāsa, 1 August, 1972]]) *** 72-08 "I am enclosing several documents relating to our food distribution program in India, and I have advised Rūpānuga Gosvāmī == *== * and Atreya Ṛṅi to consult with you and the three of you shall approach important leaders there in Washington D.C. for getting foodstuffs and other substantial aid from your Government. As I will be in that vicinity in September, if you arrange some meetings with some big Government leaders there in Washington, I shall be happy to come down there from New Vṛndāvana." (SPL to Dāmodara, August 6th, 1972) 72-09 "Regarding your questions, *sevā-pūjā* means only for daily worship of Deities. The building fund will construct, the book fund will maintain, and this fund is for daily expenditure of *sevā-pūjā* or worship of the Deities only. So far your administrative duties as secretary of Māyāpur-Vṛndāvana Trust Fund are concerned, that will be informed by you. For the time being, rents should be collected by Karandhara and sent to India. How it will be done I shall think over and let you know. As for the responsibility for proper spending, the man in charge or the president will be responsible in Māyāpur and Vṛndāvana. ==The Secretary may secure food grains and powder milk from USA Government for distribution to the poor people in India for expanding sevā-pūjā department in the matter of prasāda distribution.*" ([[letters/1972/720913_upendra|Atreya Ṛṅi, 13 September, 1972]]) *** 74-03 "Now I am especially concerned to distribute grains, rice, wheat in the form of *dāl* and rice *prasādam* to hungry people all over India. The people here are very disturbed because, partly due to the punishment of nature, and partly due to the mismanagement of the demon class of men, food is not available. If the people do not even have sufficient food they will not even be able to receive spiritual instructions. *So* ==I am hopeful that if we can widely distribute free foodstuffs to the people of India, by giving it out at our centers as well as by travelling parties to villages, we will win over the whole country and the whole world by this activity on Kṛṅña's behalf.*"== ([[letters/1974/740316_satyahit|Satyahit, 16 March, 1974]]) *** 75-01 Whatever fund is collected for food distribution should be sent to India. Why is it not sent? The other funds coming from sales of books can be accounted for properly, so where is there any fraud? Sometimes a salesman can say something extraordinary in order to sell something, but that is not fraud. Just like they are selling this oil, saying that if you rub it on your bald head, hair will grow. Where is the case where a bald man's hair grew from this oil? But the government is not charging with fraud. Don't use these UNICEF cards, that will not be good *.* ==You can make ISKCON FOOD RELIEF cards. But the money collected using this card must be sent to India where we are actually feeding people.*" (SPL to Rāmeśvara, 1st January, 197S) 75-01 "Regarding the controversy about book distribution techniques, you are right. Our occupation must be honest. Everyone should adore our members as honest. If we do something which is deteriorating to the popular sentiments of the public in favor of our movement, that is not good. Somehow or other we should not become unpopular in the public eye. These dishonest methods must be stopped. It is hampering our reputation all over the world == *.== Money collected for feeding people in India should be collected under the name ISKCON Food Belief. Not any other name. And every farthing of that money must be sent to India,* or better yet, buy food grains there and ship them here and we will distribute. But every farthing collected for that purpose must be used for that purpose. I have already sent one letter to Rāmeśvara explaining these points." ([[letters/1975/750109_rupanuga|Rūpānuga dāsa, 9 January, 1975]]) ==75-01 *"== Why is it that money that has been collected on behalf of ISKCON Food Relief program has not been sent to India? Where is that money? This is not good.* If you are not intending to send for food distribution, then do not collect in the name of Food Relief. Whatever is collected for India food distribution, must be sent as soon as it is collected, to India. You should send it to: Bank of America, International Society for Kṛṅña Consciousness, Māyāpur-Vṛndāvana Fund, account no. 16026 in Bombay. It must be sent, otherwise it will be a discrepancy. The plan that the lawyer has proposed to you is very good. There can be two separated accounts, ISKCON Food Relief, and BBT." ([[letters/1975/750117_hansadutta|Rūpānuga dāsa, 17 January, 1975]]) ==75-01 *"== All money that is collected on behalf of the Food Relief program should be sent to India, (or if possible, send grains). Why has this not been done?* That money (700,000 DM) that has been blocked up in the bank account there, as soon as it is freed, you should send whatever portion of it was collected on behalf of food distribution program in India. All money should be sent to Bank of America, International Society for Kṛṅña Consciousness, Māyāpur-Vṛndāvana Fund, account no. 16026 in Bombay." ([[letters/1975/750117_hansadutta|Haḥsadūta dāsa, 17 January, 1975]]) ==75-10 "In Bombay I have paid in advance Rs. 25,000/- to Bhavānanda Mahārāja for Food Relief poor feeding; so whatever you have collected for poor feeding may be sent to Bombay Bank of America."== ([[letters/1975/751003_ramesvara|Rāmesvara dāsa, 3 October, 1975]])